Halogen downlights were in nearly every renovation of the 1990s and 2000s. Most people replacing them now go to LED, but how you switch matters: swapping globes, replacing fittings, or rethinking the layout all give different results.
Ring 0421 772 661 and tell us roughly how many downlights you have and whether they're on dimmers. We'll quote the change properly.
LEDs use far less power for similar light. Halogens turn most of their power into heat, which is why the old fittings got so hot.
Halogen fittings need clearance from insulation and timber. Many LED fittings are rated for contact with insulation, which helps keep the ceiling warmer in winter.
Halogen globes blow regularly. A good LED lasts many years, though cheap ones and poor drivers can fail early.
Halogen has excellent colour rendering and a warm tone. Good LEDs now come close; check the CRI and colour temperature, not just brightness.
Halogens dim smoothly on almost any dimmer. LEDs need a compatible dimmer, or you get flicker and buzzing.
Halogen globes are cheap per piece, but running and replacement costs add up. LED fittings cost more up front.
Most halogen downlights in Sydney homes are 12 V MR16 globes running off a transformer above the ceiling. You can buy LED MR16 globes to fit them, but results are mixed: the old transformer may not suit the LED's low load, causing flicker or early failure, and the fitting still sits in a hot, uninsulated hole.
Replacing the whole fitting with an integrated 240 V LED downlight is usually the better job. The transformer comes out, the new fitting has its own matched driver, and you can choose an insulation-contact rated model so the ceiling insulation can be laid back over it. If the old cut-outs are a different size, there are fittings and cover plates that suit common hole sizes; we check before ordering.
If you have dimmers, plan the dimmer change at the same time. A dimmer designed for halogen is a common cause of buzzing and flickering once LEDs go in.
There aren't many reasons left to install new halogens. People sometimes keep them for a while because the lights work, the ceiling is hard to access, or they're planning a renovation soon and don't want to do the ceiling twice. That's reasonable, but keep an eye on fittings near insulation, and on transformers that are old, discoloured or buzzing.
For everyone else, LED is the practical choice. The real decision is which LED: colour temperature, beam angle, dimmability and whether you want tri-colour fittings you can switch between warm and cool. Our LED downlight buying guide walks through those choices.
We isolate the lighting circuit, remove the old fittings and transformers, check the condition of the wiring above (older Inner West homes sometimes have brittle cable or poor joins at old light points), and install the new fittings with proper connectors. We then test the circuit, check the dimmers and confirm the circuit has RCD protection. See our downlight installation cost guide for what affects the price.
You can, but the old transformers often don't suit LED loads, causing flicker or failures, and the fitting still can't be covered by insulation. Full fitting replacement is usually better.
Often, as many common cut-out sizes are catered for. If not, we can use a fitting that covers the old hole neatly.
Usually. Check that the dimmer and LED fitting are listed as compatible; mismatches are the main cause of flicker and buzzing.
They run very hot and need clearance from insulation and building materials. Covered or poorly installed fittings are a known risk, so have them checked if insulation has been laid over them.
No. Downlights are hard-wired, so replacing fittings is licensed electrical work in NSW.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
Excellent electrician Blue Link Electrical was honest, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer my questions The work was completed quickly without rushing and everything works perfectly Will be using them
Very professional and reliable service. Blue Link Electrical were punctual, friendly, and knew exactly what they were doing. The job was completed to a high standard and the place was left clean. Highly recommend to anyone needing electrical work.
Can't fault the service from Blue Link Electrical From first contact to job completion everything was smooth and professional Quality workmanship and great attention to detail. One of the best trades experiences I've had. Make sure you do them slowly
Shown in full, as written on our Google Business Profiles.
Send us a few details and we'll get back to you with a clear, upfront quote.