downlight info

Posted on Wednesday, November 08, 2006 - 9:48 pm:

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The price of downlight varies very much depending on the following factors:
1) ballast (Atco from Australia)
2) bulb (Osram and Philips, mostly from China, not many shops carry European brand)
3) the reflector (non shining type, too shining type reflects too much light within the downlight housing and thus reducing the actual lux you get from the downlight)
4) look for tampered glass (cheap quality type normally comes with glass)
5) tilted bulb receptor (look for Germany made as opposed to China made)
6) the screw to the reflector (threaded screw head that does not need to use screw driver to tighten
7) clips to fixed the downlight to the false ceiling (there is a new design with two extended straps at one side and push-up clip design from within the downlight housing to lock the downlight to the false ceiling the other side, this design ensures no light escape from the edge of the downlight housing after the downlight is mounted on the false ceiling)
8) cost is important but quality comes first, to minimise future problems (you can't get good and quality downlight at dirt cheap price - a reasonable good downlight should cost around $35 to $40 depending on your bargaining power).

I brought my downlight at AF lighting at $35 each before GST for 2x18w 6" square housing. Most shops quote me around $40 to $45 for the same design (except for one shop at which quote me $37 before GST due to removal sale). Try to look for the boss, he will help you to check and give advise whether the lighing is sufficient. Most important, he should be able to give you a better price. If you are getting KDK ceiling fan, you can get very cheap price if you are buy the lighting from them.

Just my 2 cents worth and hope would help you in making a better selection for your downlight.

Regards.