UK downlighter fittings

[Tom York]

Hi,

Been looking to replace a set of downlights that have seen better days. Been doing some checking of what's in place to see whether it's just a swap them out and come across something I wanted to ask about. Power at the fittings is 12v AC so I've looked in the loft and there is a transformer fitted which I assume is changing line voltage down to 12v for the old fittings. Is that assumption correct on the face of it. If that's enough to go on

When checking what I am looking to fit they have a transformer integrated into the fitting. As such before I waste time and money, will a 12v at the fitting supply be enough to power a 220-240v supply rated fitting with built in transformer. My gut feeling is no it won't work

I'm already thinking I will tap out and get a professional in but we struggle with availability round here for little jobs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[loz2754]

No you would need to remove the existing 12V transformer from the circuit, and connect the downlights directly to the 230V supply.

 

[loz2754]

Just to add that, as you would be modifying a lighting circuit, you would need to make sure that the circuit is protected by a 30mA RCD.

 

[Tom York]

Just to add that, as you would be modifying a lighting circuit, you would need to make sure that the circuit is protected by a 30mA RCD.

That's what I expected. At which point I am tapping out as modifying circuits and that kind of stuff is outside my skillset. Dammit.

Thanks for taking the time to reply loz