Choosing The Right Lighting

[Wilsonpoon 0]

Hi peeps, I was thrilled to see so many people being particular about choosing the right lighting for their own home n etc. But always ended up getting the inefficient and poor quality light sources.

OK! lets start with PLC downlight today...as many households are changing their lightings to downlight, and it's true that it's really neat on your ceiling, no doubt about that.

We know that there are plenty of lighting shops selling down lights out there, and you'll be surprised to see 1 set as low as $19.90! Is it a good buy? Think twice. But of course, ask yourself. And let me share some insights to choose a practical and ideal downlight for yourself.

Let's take a simple square downlight/ PLC13W x 2:

1) The glass cover - full-tempered glass? or glass only? (tempered glass has much higher tolerance to temperature.

2) The trim (frame) - powder-coated? or spray-paint? (powder-coating have much resistance to climate, scratches and time e.g. spray painted trim(in white) usually turns yellow after few years.)

3) The reflector - full aluminum or aluminum-sheet? (many downlight are getting cheaper because they are using aluminum sheet(foil) quality, so overtime, it will become blur and definite drop in lux lvl)

4) The lampholder - lampholder are one of the most impt thing that determine the lifespan of the bulb,the safety of your house. Take note: china lampholder can fit any wattage of PLC bulb, (10W,13W,18W,26W and etc) Good? nope! This means lampholder tend to be loose, and thats where "arcking" or "sparking" happens. And the plastic material used for these holders are poisonous, (don't believe please burn your lampholder, dark smoke will appear). So choose wisely!

5) The DIY removal system - there will be times whereby ballast spoil, and how are you gonna change it? get a electrician which costs you $35-$50? Or do it yourself? Most downlights are secured using 4 springs which are difficult for non-professionals to change them. And this might damage the false ceiling if you can't remove properly. Why not find one that you can change the ballast(which costs $4 only), using a adjustable front spring only?

6) The ballasts - magnetic or electronic? (electronic will saves up 35% more electricity compared to magnetic. Humming sound? Lower frequency? Flickering? Shorten lamp life span? That's magnetic, so you decide!)

7) Lux level - Is the lux level from the PLC lighting sufficient? Check out how much is require...Lux Requirement

So peeps! Actually it's more than just a piece of light-emtting metal in the false ceiling, so please shop wisely! You don't wanna be buying a cheap $20++ downlight just for the sake of having a light there, because future replacement costs will piled up on you. I will share more on other lightings in time to come!

Any other advises needed, feel free to PM me! Cheers!

Wilson Poon

Edited September 9, 2011 by Wilsonpoon

[Simontsh 0]

so what do you suggest then?

any opinions on philips downlights FBG 302 to 305?

[Wilsonpoon 0]

so what do you suggest then?

any opinions on philips downlights FBG 302 to 305?

Hi Simontsh

On Philips downlights, haven't seen one physically. But looking at the specifications of it, glass is not tempered. Using ceramic holder, for E27 (good and bad?). whether it is powder-coated? easy to recess? lux level? materials used? Im not sure, you have to judge it yourself. thank you!!

[Simontsh 0]

Hi Simontsh

On Philips downlights, haven't seen one physically. But looking at the specifications of it, glass is not tempered. Using ceramic holder, for E27 (good and bad?). whether it is powder-coated? easy to recess? lux level? materials used? Im not sure, you have to judge it yourself. thank you!!

hmm not sure of temperature of these bulbs that i intend to use with

http://download.p4c.philips.com/l4bt/3/338279/easyscene_338279_ffs_aen.pdf

[Wilsonpoon 0]

hmm not sure of temperature of these bulbs that i intend to use with

http://download.p4c.philips.com/l4bt/3/338279/easyscene_338279_ffs_aen.pdf

Hi Simontsh

It really goes down to personal preferences. It depends you're a day-light person or warm-white person. Warm-white will be a cosier color to go with, for ambience, soft and gentle effect. But day-light (6500k) will be more for brightness n etc, a little harsh for me (bcos im not a day-light person), not sure about you..

Well, to me, 2700k is alittle too yellow-orange for me. But for cosy, it's gd! So once again, choose wisely!!