Amount of LED downlights in a lounge

[TJC1]

Does any know have a usual spacing for LED downlights? Im normally like to put a good amount (maybe a few to many) But i always work on id rather put to many in with a dimmer than not enough!

Starting a new build tomorrow and customers don't want loads of downlights. The lounge in 7 x 3. They only want to put in 8 JCC V5os. Does any one have a design method or average amount per square meter?

 

[littlespark]

I tend to go with 600mm from a wall, then 1200mm between fittings. 700mm from wall in kitchens to avoid the wall units casting shadows.
The height of the ceiling can be a factor and the beam angle of the fittings. Kitchens and bathrooms would require more light than a lounge really. Whatever suits the room really.

Maybe the customers are planning on having table lamps around the lounge?

 

[Deleted member 9648]

I like to combine downlights with 2a sockets dotted around switched from the same switch position for table lamps. More wiring but clients are always pleased with the end result.

 

[jackhammerJIM]

In my lounge i have 10 in a H shape . 4 on each side wall and 2 in the middle on 2g dimmer . Usually only have 2 on in the middle and dimmed . Lounge is a relaxed environment in my opinion so should be dim and cosy

 

[telectrix]

Does any know have a usual spacing for LED downlights? Im normally like to put a good amount (maybe a few to many) But i always work on id rather put to many in with a dimmer than not enough!

Starting a new build tomorrow and customers don't want loads of downlights. The lounge in 7 x 3. They only want to put in 8 JCC V5os. Does any one have a design method or average amount per square meter?

8 sounds right for that size of room.

 

[littlespark]

My living room is about that size, but its extended from an existing room... so ive got 2 pendants. The original and a new one.

Hardly ever used. I wish I'd put downlights in now.

The kids like to play Just Dance on the Wii, and inevitably punch hell out of the lampshade.

 

[dmxtothemax]

it doesn't really matter what anybody else thinks,
If the customer (who is paying) doesn't want too many lights
Then he don't get too many lights
Some people are quite happy in a low light enviroment.
Just do it !

 

[andyb]

As already said, if the client says 8 then 8 it is.
Though as Tel said, 8 seems about right.

 

[PEG]

In my lounge i have 10 in a H shape . 4 on each side wall and 2 in the middle on 2g dimmer . Usually only have 2 on in the middle and dimmed . Lounge is a relaxed environment in my opinion so should be dim and cosy

EEeeeh! ...turn t' lot off...n' jus stick t' pair on,luv...it's reet cosy!...

....typical Yorhshireman...romantic,at 8 watts

 

[jackhammerJIM]

EEeeeh! ...turn t' lot off...n' jus stick t' pair on,luv...it's reet cosy!...

....typical Yorhshireman...romantic,at 8 watts

Lights down low cuppa tea in hand . BLISS

900 lumens is more than enough for me

 

[DefyG]

Not sure what the fittings are (lms) but say 500each works out roughly at 190lm/sqm (assuming equally spaced). This would be reduced at floor level so probably towards low levels for a lounge (Think recommended is around 300 for a lounge)
Dark decoration/furniture will reduce the impact of the lighting even further.
One of our suppliers offers a lighting design service if we need a more accurate design which is really helpful so might be worth asking around at wholesalers.

 

[Midwest]

Downlights are so passé

 

[Pete999]

Does any know have a usual spacing for LED downlights? Im normally like to put a good amount (maybe a few to many) But i always work on id rather put to many in with a dimmer than not enough!

Starting a new build tomorrow and customers don't want loads of downlights. The lounge in 7 x 3. They only want to put in 8 JCC V5os. Does any one have a design method or average amount per square meter?

In the past, I have contacted the supplier of any lighting fittings I intended to use, for lighting a particular area, and required lighting levels to supply a lighting design, the ones I used were always willing to help. I maybe worth your while to approach your supplier through the wholesaler if they could supply this service, 99 to 100% of the time they agreed, only saying this approach may help.

 

[Toneyz]

In the past, I have contacted the supplier of any lighting fittings I intended to use, for lighting a particular area, and required lighting levels to supply a lighting design, the ones I used were always willing to help. I maybe worth your while to approach your supplier through the wholesaler if they could supply this service, 99 to 100% of the time they agreed, only saying this approach may help.

Most of the larger electrical wholesalers offer a free lighting design for account holders.

 

[mydigitalhome]

Yes don’t grab the first lights you see at the wholesaler because they are at the right price point. Get the photometric data and use Relux or Dialux and do a calc. Or get the lighting supplier to do if for you more st will do it for free. 1200 spacing for LED lights will most likely produce too much light dependent on fitting and task in hand. Do a calc and get it right, after all you would not make a guess on electrical loads please give it a thought, and at the end have a environment that works and a happy client.

 

[123]

All this lighting design from wholesalers and lighting design software and calcs seems a bit excessive for a simple project like lounge lighting

 

[Toneyz]

All this lighting design from wholesalers and lighting design software and calcs seems a bit excessive for a simple project like lounge lighting

It is only optional most do it from experience using the same type of fittings on previous jobs.

 

[sparksfly]

Hands pointing in the air approx 1200mm space , base it on old 50w output (340 Lumens) singing "We will, we will rock you" stick low tack tape on ceiling so customer can see layout, then re-re-arrange after finding lovely hidden obstacles

 

[Toneyz]

Hands pointing in the air approx 1200mm space , base it on old 50w output (340 Lumens) singing "We will, we will rock you" stick low tack tape on ceiling so customer can see layout, then re-re-arrange after finding lovely hidden obstacles

You've got the idea !!!!

 

[DefyG]

then re-re-arrange after finding lovely hidden obstacles

It’s a new build, shouldn’t be an ‘hidden’ obstacles

 

[andyb]

It's a domestic lounge, not a warehouse or a football pitch. Ask the wholesaller? use design software? contact the manufacturer?
And it's already been designed for you by the client. Why would you want to talk them out of it?
So you fit fewer or more and the client says that's not what I wanted?

 

[telectrix]

err on the side of a bit more light than you (or the customer) think, then fit a dimmer.

 

[R-fur]

I wired a private new build last year, the spec called for 100% downlighters. As I had never done an job like this before I spent a fair amount of time researching this. The best advice I got was to allow 2 meters by 2 meters for each lamp. This seemed to work out ok. I also used down lighters that took GU10 led lamps so that the light level could be varied by using different wattage of lamp

 

[DefyG]

The best advice I got was to allow 2 meters by 2 meters for each lamp.

Assuming 500lms per lamp, that works out at only 125 lumens per sq m. Bit on the low side!

 

[brianmoooore]

In the old days,before the downlight fashion, a long, narrow room like this would have been adequately lit by two 100W pendants, giving a total of about 2400 lumens.
V50s are 600-650 lumens each, so a total of four will match this!
Not quite as simple as that in practice, of course. Just four would look odd, and to get anything like an even spread of light you need to make sure that the 60 degree cones of light from each fitting at least meet each other.
If you fit eight, split them up into two or three switched circuits, taking into consideration things like being able to have lights on over the seating areas, while those near the TV can be off.