Downlighter Decisions

[Bakersdelight]

Feeling really confused about fire rated downlighters. We need 26 for our extension which is part flat ceiling and part vaulted ceiling. It's an L-shaped kitchen/diner/family room. Have received opposing advice. Builder says just use Screwfix LAP fixed integral LED downlights. One electrician says adjustable downlights are a waste of money and to go for the integral Enlite ones and another says we should go for adjustable Enlite but ones that don't have the integrated bulb. There's a BIG price difference between these options so naturally I want to make sure I'm spending my money wisely. Can anyone give me some insight on this? Thank you

I've got Enlite E6 Pros throughout.

The LEDs are integrated but each unit comes with a 5 yr guarantee.

They're also fire rated, insulation coverable and dimmable -- I run them off Varilight VPro dimmers.

They work out about £18 each with a bezel.

Check out their corny product video:

If you do use the above be sure you keep the receipt not your electrician! Plus the guarantee doesn’t include the labour for replacing them.
I had different brand downlighters with 7 year guarantee and one went within a year. The electrician replaced it but of course charged me hIf his time. Another went and the eke trucking has retired and of course he had bought the lights and had moved along with the receipts!
Next time I’m getting ones with replaceable bulbs.

You can replace e6 pros in seconds. The unit unclips from a Wago style rear connector. They simply unplug.

They also take seconds to wire and make testing easy. Possibly why your sparkles recommends Enlite and your builder recommends LAPs.

I've got elite integrated adjustable downlights. I used these as I needed extra low profile fire rated fittings. They have performed well for almost 3 years. As above poster pointed out they have a wago style connector and can easily be changed without an electrician. Elsewhere I use GU10 fittings but I've found GU10 bulbs to be less reliable!

Adjustable fittings are of most use near walls and worktops.

If you put non adjustable ones on a vaulted ceiling, they'll illuminate randomly as they'll be on an angle given the slope of the ceiling. I'd definitely think of some adjustable ones or include pendant-style lights too.

Mine have an led bulb you can pull out & change, sorry don't know what they're called. But we chose these because the bulbs carry a 10yr guarantee. If I could offer a separate piece of advice, it's to get plain white ones. My friend has a humungous kitchen which needed 48 down-lighters & she chose a chrome finish. The ceiling looks like something at Heathrow airport. After seeing hers, we opted for plain white & it's great because you don't notice the fittings.

Just remembered - our lights tilt too. I thought at the time, it would be useful to illuminate certain areas like the kettle. But in reality you just stand sideways so the light comes down. I've not tilted any of mine.