Most of us opt for downlights when choosing a lighting solution because of the ambience they bring to a home.
The process of installing downlights may involve drilling holes to enclose the downlights, connecting wires to all the lights or bulbs and installing switches on walls to operate them.
If the installation of downlights is incorrect, your lights can be vulnerable to fire. This problem has led to tightening of the standards of downlight installation by the Australian Government.
To prevent such incidences, you must hire a licensed electrician with a current Electrical Safety Certificate to install downlights to carry out your electrical work.
A qualified electrician ensures only a certified mechanical shield surrounds the downlights during installation.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) downlights are the most preferred because they are energy efficient compared to halogen downlights.A new downlight may cost between $5 and $95 for each line with your taste and preferences.
The cost of installing downlights depends on the number of downlights you want to install, the type of downlights you prefer, your locality, the hours worked and whether you are replacing old ones.
The average cost a licensed electrician will charge you for installing downlights is between $50 and $75 per light plus a service fee of around $150.
Professional electricians may also charge between $80 and $110 per hour with a service fee of between $70 and $130 per downlight.
To ensure you have the best deal when installing many downlights, compare quotes from different professional traders and suppliers.
Consider the location of the lights in your home, your budget and the purpose of the lights when buying and installing.
Light –Emitting Diode (LED) and halogen lights are the common types of downlight used in Australia when light fitting and installing.You will need to hire an electrician to install downlights in your house because of the extra wiring involved. You can take out an LED downlight and replace it with a new one without having to hire an electrician unless the existing downlight is hard-wired. At least 70 percent of people installing downlights in their homes hire electricians to install the lights for them.