Spotlights

Spotlights are an ideal way to direct light in your home, making it easy to highlight specific objects or illuminate certain areas when recessed downlights are not a viable option.

Spotlights operate in a similar way to downlights but are usually surface mounted, although they are available in many design variations.

LED spotlights are the ideal long lasting, energy efficient and reliable lighting option. Providing accurate luminosity to a space while enhancing the theme.

GU10 or Integrated LED Spotlights?

GU10 spotlights require additional GU10 LEDs, both items are separate, which gives you the choice of selecting the right LED for your room. You can choose the right colour temperature, brightness and beam angle that you want. The GU10 LED operates on mains voltage and doesn't require an additional LED driver. They are also available in dimmable and non dimmable.

Integrated LED spotlights are fully sealed luminaires with a built in LED light source and LED driver. They come with everything you need and also operate on mains voltage. These types of fitting aren't always dimmable, so make sure you read the specification if you want to dim as they can't be changed like GU10. Integrated spotlights are usually more compact in size as the LED is smaller while still producing a bright lighting effect, like GU10.

In general, most GU10 LEDs and integrated fittings have a light output of 350-400 lumens which is comparable to the outlawed 50W GU10 halogen.

Bathroom Spotlights

Additional caution should be take when selecting bathroom spotlights. Bathrooms have different zones that require IP rated fittings which are water resistance. A minimum of IP44 should be specified for use in zones 1 and 2 which is above, or close to areas with water such as the sink or the bath.

Kitchen Spotlights

Unlike the bathroom, the kitchen doesn't have any zones or IP rating requirements even though it contains a sink. Possibly because it has less moisture in the air and poses less risk of splashes. If you don't want to fit recessed downlights into your kitchen, the a kitchen spotlight is a great alternative.