Question 1

How many downlights do I need per square metre?

Accepted Answer

There is no single figure per square metre, because the lumens of each luminaire, the height, the colour of the walls and the use of the room all come into play. As a reference, a living room can work with 150 to 300 lux, a kitchen with 300 to 500 lux and a work area close to 500 lux. For a 12 m² room with a target of 250 lux, around 3,000 useful lumens are needed, which could be distributed across three 1,200 lm downlights or four 900 lm downlights depending on the layout.

Question 2

What spacing should there be between downlights?

Accepted Answer

In domestic ceilings of 2.4 to 2.7 m, spacing of 1 to 1.5 m is usually suitable for general lighting with wide beam angles. If the beam is narrower, spacing should be reduced to avoid shadows. It is also advisable to leave some distance from walls, normally between 50 and 80 cm, adjusting according to whether the aim is to wash a vertical surface or illuminate the centre of the room.

Question 3

Which downlight is best for a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

For a bathroom, it is recommended to choose a downlight with an IP rating suitable for the installation zone. In areas away from splashing, IP44 can be used, while in more exposed zones it is advisable to move up to IP54 or IP65, always following electrical regulations. In terms of light, 4000 K and CRI above 80 offer good visibility for daily grooming; if the mirror is important, CRI 90 improves the reproduction of skin tone.

Question 4

Can I replace halogens with LED downlights?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided that the opening, voltage and connection system are compatible. In many cases, 50 W halogens are replaced with 6 to 10 W LED solutions, significantly reducing consumption. If the installation has old transformers or dimmers, they may need to be replaced with compatible drivers or dimmers to avoid flickering, buzzing or unstable switching.

Question 5

What colour temperature should I choose for the home?

Accepted Answer

In living rooms and bedrooms, 2700 K or 3000 K is usually recommended because of its warm feel. In kitchens, bathrooms and home offices, 4000 K provides a more neutral and functional light. The important thing is not to mix temperatures within the same room without a clear intention, because the difference between 3000 K and 4000 K is easily noticeable on walls, furniture and white surfaces.

Question 6

Is it worth choosing dimmable downlights?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, restaurants, hotels and multipurpose rooms. Dimming allows intensity to be adapted to real use: high light for tasks, medium light for daily use and low light for ambience. For it to work correctly, the downlight, driver and dimmer must be compatible; otherwise flickering or very limited dimming ranges may appear.

Question 7

What does it mean for a downlight to have low UGR?

Accepted Answer

UGR is an index related to discomfort glare. In offices and workstations, a UGR below 19 is usually sought because it helps reduce visual fatigue when working with screens or documents. In homes it is not always essential, but a downlight with good glare control is more comfortable, especially in low ceilings or areas where people remain seated.

Question 8

How long does an LED downlight last?

Accepted Answer

The usual lifespan is between 25,000 and 50,000 hours, although it depends on the quality of the LED, the driver, the operating temperature and the hours of use. In installations with many hours per day, such as shops or offices, it is advisable to choose models with good dissipation, clear technical documentation and reliable drivers, as maintenance can have a greater economic impact than the initial price difference.

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