Can I get covers for old downlights?

sairs_f

 we have just moved into a new house and the lights are these open downlights. We can see into the roof space. Are there covers we can retrofit onto them? I've replaced a couple of bulbs and they are the screw in type and I can see that the light fitting for the bulb has spring clips to hold it in place. So are there any options other than getting an electrician in to replace every single light in the house?

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @sairs_f. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about downlights.

I apologise for my delayed reply, and congratulations on the new house.

It's important to note that older-style downlights were intentionally open at the top to allow heat to escape. In the past, high-wattage lamps generated a lot of heat, and the open design provided ventilation to prevent overheating. Covering them wasn't viable at the time due to the heat buildup, which could be dangerous.

The globes you're using are not the intended type for your recessed downlights. These fittings are designed to use R80 globes, with a wider front that helps obscure the view into the ceiling cavity and better fills the fixture. If you're not keen on updating the downlights to the more energy-efficient LED fixtures at this time, reverting back to the R80 globes should improve the aesthetics of the fixture. 

Remember that LED fixtures are quite budget-friendly now, especially if you buy in a pack such as these Click 8W 90mm CCT LED Downlight - 12 Pack.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell