Miniature LED Downlights Collingwood LED LYTE

Every light source from an LED to a simple wax candle has a beam angle. A beam angle is a measurement of how the light is distributed. GU10 LEDs and recessed downlights have a fairly narrow beam of around 40 degrees, anything within 5 degrees is classed as a medium beam.

A wax candle or traditional light bulb would have a beam angle of 360 degrees as the light shines all the way around but is less intense.

Combing brighter downlights with wider 60 degree beams allows you to space them out further, reducing the total amount of lights needed.

More information about beam angles.

CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index. It is a measurement of how well a light source can render the true colour of an object compared to natural light.

Rated out of 100, with an open flame or sunlight being a perfect 100. A light with 90 CRI and above would be classed as having high CRI, while 80 CRI is the standard for LEDs.

Read more about high CRI.

Colour temperature is a measurement of appearance. Measured in Kelvins, the lower the rating, the warmer the light appears. Choosing the right temperature can have a dramatic effect on a room.

2700K - Extra Warm White

Similar to a traditional incandescent light bulb or halogen. It has a more orange and warmer tone, with a ‘soft white’ appearance. Ideal for living rooms.

3000K - Warm White

Clearer, but still quite warm. This is the ‘new norm’ for general lighting and is the most popular option. If you’re unsure I’d recommend trying this one.

4000K - Cool White

Clearer, whiter and crisp; used in commercial locations including supermarkets. Cool white appears brighter than warm white as the LED is covered in less phosphor. It can make a room appear cold and clinical but used correctly (white walls etc) it can make a room appear cleaner and modern.

More information about colour temperatures.

Recessed downlights are available in different types such as fixed, adjustable and bathroom (IP65).

Fixed downlights shine the light directly downards.  Adjustable downlights allow you to redirect the angle of light onto a specific object or area.

IP65 downlights are water resistant and suitable for use in bathroom zones 1 & 2. Most integrated LED downlights are IP65 rated as standard. This means they can be used anywhere including kitchens and living rooms etc.

Fixed GU10 downlights don't offer any resistance to water, their IP rating is usually IP20. They have no seal and cost less.

More information about downlight types.

Some LED light fittings require an additional LED driver. This can be identified when the input type is anything other than Mains Voltage 230V AC.

Small LED light fittings usually operate on lower voltages as they're safer to run and you can use one LED driver to power multiple lights.

If the input type is 12V or 24V DC, a constant voltage LED driver is required. These are wired in parallel.

If the input type is 350mA or 700mA, a constant current LED driver is required. These are wired in series. It can be easier to wire LED ground lights in series as the power flows in one direction and doesn't need to loop back around.

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