How to cover old downlights?

Hi all!

I am hoping to upgrade/change/cover these light fittings in my house. I hate that I can see into the roof! I can’t seem to find removable covers that would allow me to still use energy saving (Alexa friendly) globes!
Please ignore the cobwebs! Thanks for any advise in advance!

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Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Melsy

Those fitting holes look huge

Can you measure them across the middle for diameter we can then try find some option for you.

Are these bulbs screw thread E27 or the bayonet types with the two locking pins out the side B22

Those sort of bulbs do better at lighting being fully into the room ie below the ceiling level as currently you are lighting more of the inside of you roof space.

My first initial ideas is to take out those old sockets and cover the hole with a timber square simply stuck on the roof so new light fitting maybe used instead,

Melsy

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/46487#Comment_46487

Thanks for such a speedy reply!! The bulbs are E27 screw ins.

and the holes look huge 😂 We get enough light but yes, they’d be more effective if they were actually in the room rather than the roof!!

thank you!

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85311#Comment_85311

Hi @Melsy

For measuring photos.

I am estimating the approx Cut out hole into you roof gyprock is currently 110mm.

The latest trend, more importantly avaliable replacment down lights are 70mm or 90mm so they will fall out of your roof holes at 110mm

The only Lights that will directly cover your existing holes once the old fittin is out are older fashion oyster type lights (They wil take your current bulbs) Or new flat LED Panels.

So I am thinking 2 options

1 Buy some gyprock sheet and cut out circles (Plugs) that fill your lights holes flush with the roof line and later add new holes for new light fittings in the down light ranges Advantange flush roof line / Disadvantage roof is not as strong as before possibly for new drilling of smalleer light holes use gentle cautions.

1a Use the below timber into the roof above the gyprock and glue the gyprock round plugs to it as well. Is a smooth normal strenght roof.

2 Use timber/ ply covers that fit over your light fitting holes, This will allow you mount heavier normal light fittings directly on to the roof. Or light pendant lights or allow you to cut out new 70mm or 90 mm down light holes

Plus side is more diverse new lights surface mounted, light pendant or new down lights. Minus is a raised board on the roof but it can be shaped round hexangal , square or diamond. So it looks like apart of your roof designs.

More heavyPendant lights will need additional timber roof rafters across mounted between other roof rafters.

So think about your options to carry these idaes forward as you choose.

JacobZ

Hi @Melsy,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

@Jewelleryrescue has already provided some fantastic advice, but I want to make sure safety is at the front of your mind.

Unfortunately, as these lights are almost certainly hardwired, replacing them would require the assistance of a qualified electrician.

This style of light fitting was designed with a specific type of globe, known as a PAR38, in mind. If you use these Arlec Grid Connect Smart PAR38 E27 LED 1350lm 15W CCT Globe, the bulb will fill out almost the entire recess, giving a much nicer look to the light. They are energy efficient as they are LED and they are also smart globes that are compatible with Alexa.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

CSParnell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/46542#Comment_46542

@Melsy @JacobZ @Jewelleryrescue

You can get reducer plates in various sizes at Bunnings that should cover the existing hole and let you install new style 92mm downlights in

I found this product at Bunnings Warehouse you may like: Deta 92mm White Cut Out Downlight Conversion Plate https://bunnings.com.au/applinks_p4380416?source=product_share&utm_source=bunnings&utm_medium=retail-app&utm_campaign=product_share&utm_content=pdp_deeplink

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85333#Comment_85333

Hi @CSParnell,

I can't say I've seen them before, but I imagine as an electrician, you would love that you wouldn't need to patch plasterboard and can just use the existing hole. Thank you for posting as they look like a fantastic way around a common problem.

For @Melsy, this would certainly help swap over these old downlights to newer LED downlights such as the Arlec 9W 92mm IP65 Tricolour Dimmable LED Downlight, but please keep in mind, that due to the hardwired nature of these lights, you would still require an electrician.

Thank you for sharing.

Jacob

CSParnell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/107839#Comment_107839

@JacobZ no problemo they have been around for many moons and they do come in various sizes, your bigger Bunnings stores should carry a bigger range in both Deta and HPM.

hpm-150-90mm-white-downlight-conversion-plate

And you will be correct with a licensed electrician having to disconnect and install a plug base so the new style LED down light can be installed.

There are also 120mm downlights available if these will fit which may do away with the ring.

deta-120mm-x8-series-multipower-tri-colour-high-efficacy-dimmable-led-downlight

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121176#Comment_121176

Hi @CSParnell

Yep never sean that product Nice call 🙂 @CSParnell Would have saved me alot of typing lol.

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