LED downlights are the most advanced type of downlight available, they out perform halogen and compact fluorescent (CFL) in every way. The main advantages of using LED downlights is that they are energy efficient and provide energy savings of 80-90%. Although LED downlights are more expensive, they cost less to run and will pay for themselves in energy saved between 1 and 2 years depending on usage.

 

Whereas an inefficient 50W halogen downlight actually uses more power to run it (up to 75W), LED downlights are energy efficient and use only 7.9W to power the 3x3W LEDs. Less power goes in but more light comes out.

 

To make ordering and installations easier, the LED downlights in this section come as a complete fitting, the 3x3W LED module is integrated into the fitting and is supplied with a built in LED driver for direct mains voltage supply.  The life expectancy of LED downlights is between 30,000 and 75,000 hours depending which type you choose. When compared to halogen which is between 1,000 and 5,000 hours or CFL which is 10,000 to 15,000 hours. With an average use of 6 hours per day LED downlights will last between 15 and 30 years. No lamps will ever need replacing again!

 

Contrary to popular belief LED downlights do not generate a lot of heat, nowhere near that of a halogen. Evo LED downlights in particular are cool to touch even when they have been left on for a long period of time. Each LED downlight comes with a built in heat sink. The heat sink allows air to pass through the fins and effectively dissipate any heat that is generated.

 

Part L of the Buildings Regulations states that around one quarter of all lighting must be made up from energy efficient sources. For light fixtures such as downlights to comply with this they must produce 40 lumen per watt. Nearly all CFL downlights do not achieve this and even some LED downlights don't. The natural white version of Evo LED downlight produces 54 lumen per watt and the warm white produces 46 lumen per watt, both easily exceeding the requirements.

 

Evo LED downlights can be installed with full peace of mind as they are fire rated and comply with Building Regulations Parts B, C, E, L and P. As standard the Evo LED downlight range is IP65 water and dust proof making them ideal for bathroom use. Dimmable options are also available which can be dimmed by using leading or trailing edge dimmers.

 

Power LED downlights often get compared with older generation LEDs that are still on the market. Earlier generations of LED downlights had many short comings such as not being bright enough (not enough lumen) and poor quality of light (wrong colour temperature). The latest generation of LED downlights contain high power LEDs which are not only brighter than previous versions but provide a better quality of light.