Cunning plan to install downlights

The idea of civilians doing their own electrics probably inflames electricians as much as the idea of electricians doing data cabling upsets me. But let’s face it, we are who we are, and with enough research and common sense, non-experts can give new things a shot.

QuickWire make some nice products (in the UK, too!). If you are an amateur like me doing electrics, I think it’s essential to maximize the use of push-fit and lever connections which are maintenance-free and much less prone to the human error of under-tightening or otherwise mis-terminating.

The QuickWire downlights look nice in my kitchen, and a single row of four works well for the size of the room (combined with under-cabinet LED strip). In that scenario, no dimming is needed.

Having recently added five downlights to my hallway, it is quite bright. Not unpleasantly so, but it would be nice to have the option of dimming them.

Finding a dimmer switch which can handle integrated LED fittings is a bit of a pig - I’ve tried this before in another room and been frustrated. As it turns out, the modules made by both British General and Knightsbridge give the initial appearance of working, before developing a nasty flicker after a few minutes’ running (whether turned fully up or dimmed). Your mileage may vary, but for me the same dimmers mis-behaved on two different brands of integrated LED downlights.

Varilight’s V-Pro dimmers appear to solve this, and have easier to adjust minimum and maximum brightness. Plus, you can insert them into the shiny/screwless faceplate of the BG or the Knightsbridge to get the appearance you wanted.