Mighty tools for

your MitrePlan

Mighty helpful checklist

Timber
ORDER
900mm lengths of 90 x 45 structural pine
(transformer mounts or support
for heavy lights)

Hardware
Halogen lamp holders
Transformers/ballasts
Recessed lamps

Other Materials

Fluorescent globes

Halogen lamps
Cable and connectors
(as instructed by your electrician)

Tape measure and pencil

Powered or cordless drill
/ driver with holesaws
and bits
Jigsaw, keyhole saw or
pad saw
Claw hammer
Plumb bob or laser level
Drop sheets
Vacuum cleaner
Screwdriver set
Wire strippers, side
cutters or pliers

Verbal quotes are indicative only. Written quotes on materials

are available upon request from your Mitre 10 store.

Visit mitre10.com.au for more

Mighty helpful
hints to make
the job easier
Collect pictures of lighting
schemes that you like from
magazines. Its easier to explain
what you want if you have photos.
Consider installing passive
infrared sensors to switch lights on
when youre in the room and off
when youre not saving you money
and saving the environment too.
Its much easier to measure and
mark light positions on the floor
than the ceilings. Use masking tape
(dont actually mark the floor) to
mark the positions, and then transfer
the position to the ceiling with a
plumb bob or laser level device that
can swing around to plumb.
Roof spaces are difficult to move
in. Take up some short planks to walk
and kneel on only put your weight on
the timbers, never on the plasterboard
because you will fall through it.
Try a downlight cutter instead
of a standard holesaw. These have
continuous tungsten grit cutting
surfaces, operate smoothly, and are
very long lasting.
Use a dustbowl or have
someone hold a vacuum nozzle
close to the saw while youre
cutting to minimise airborne dust.
Protect your eyes and wear
a dust mask when you cut
plasterboard overhead, and when
you are working in the ceiling.
Wear eye, ear and breathing
protection when you use power tools.
Thoroughly clean your tools after
cutting plasterboard it contains
salt and will make your tools rust
quickly. Lightly oil your tools with
RP7 or WD40 before storage.
Some Mitre 10 stores can
refer you to trustworthy local
tradespeople.
Roofs can be unbearably hot, so
do this work in a cool part of the year
or a cool part of the day (or night).

Install downlights

MitrePlan PROJECT PLANNER

Install downlights

IMPORTANT: This project planner has been produced to provide

basic information and our experienced staff are available to answer any
questions you may have. However, this information is provided for use
on the understanding that Mitre 10 is not liable for any loss or damage
which is suffered or incurred (including but not limited to indirect or
consequential loss), for any personal injury or damage to property suffered
or sustained as a result of using the information contained in this MitrePlan
Project Planner. Mitre 10 advises you to call in a qualified tradesperson,
such as an electrician or plumber, where expert services are required,
and to independently assess any safety precautions that will need to be
followed prior to using the information in
this MitrePlan Project Planner.
WARNING: There may be by laws or
regulations of councils or other statutory
bodies that you must comply with when
following this MitrePlan Project Planner.

An easy-to-follow guide to achieving a perfect result.

Your local MITRE 10 Store is:

Outlines all the tools you will need for the job.
Includes a materials checklist.
PLEASE NOTE:
Before starting this project or buying any materials, it is worth your time to
read all steps thoroughly first to be sure you understand what is required.
Mitre 10 is proudly Australian owned.

#90

mitre10.com.au

Lighting for
mood, beauty
or utility.
Downlights have become very
popular in shops, offices, new
homes and old. The reason is
clear they are very effective
and fashion-neutral without
being obtrusive or creating glare
in all directions.
There are many types available.
Most people immediately think
of the neat little 12-volt halogen
downlights, but their larger
ancestors (the recessed light)
are also still available with the
advantage of being able to use
low-energy fluorescent lamps.

You can use downlights in ceilings, under stairs, in furniture, in

walls, and even in floors (the same unit is then an uplight). An
obvious location is above kitchen workbenches. They can be
installed in the ceiling above the bench in positions that wont
cast shadows of you on your work area like pendant-style
lights do. Even better, some types can be installed under the
overhead kitchen cupboards to light your culinary work without
glare.
Downlights can be used to provide a concentrated beam
of light, or a wide beam simply by using different lamps
(in the halogen types), or by adjusting the lamp position
(inrecessedtypes).
Some types have fixed lamps, with their beams at 90 to the
mounting surface, but some are gimballed (pivoted) so that
the beam can be directed. Hoods are also available to cut glare
and concentrate light where you want it.
Most halogen light ranges include surface-mounted lamps to
match the downlights, so you can create your complete lighting
effect with a consistent style of lamp.
Your new lighting can be a very rewarding undertaking. It can
make a huge difference to the mood of your home, especially if
you take the time to carefully plan.

Step 1: Getting ready

If you have a rough idea about what you want in lighting, call
your local electrician around for advice and a quote - before you
buy all of your light fittings. The electrician will check out the
roof and wiring and let you know if its a straightforward job, or
if there are more-or-less expensive choices to be made. He will
also tell you what you can do by yourself, and at what stage he
will come in to finish things off. Youll also get advice about the
right types and configuration of lights to suit your needs.
Armed with this information, draw-up a simple sketch of the
room and the light locations. Take this to your local Mitre 10
store and the staff will assist you to get the right lights and
everything else you need.

Types

Step 4: Electrical

Types

The only connection you can legally make to the fixed wiring in your home (unless you are a licensed
electrician) is to push a plug into a socket and flick the switch.
Although electrical work seems simple, there are many risks, including electrocution and circuit overload
which can lead to a catastrophic fire - so dont be tempted. You can legally make connections in the 12-volt
wiring system of halogen lights, but you should still follow exactly the instructions of your electrician and the
manufacturer to ensure the safety of your home.

Fig. 1
Some models have pivoting lamps so you can easily focus
the light where you want it. Hoods can reduce unwanted
glare and direct light in one direction.

Fig. 2

Recessed lights are much larger than 12-volt

halogen lights, but have the advantage of a wider
choice in globe types including low energy
fluorescent.

Step 2: Create an upside down golf course

Carefully and accurately mark the centres of your lights on the ceiling and check to see if
your lights will foul on the ceiling or roof timbers. If you cant see where these run (youll
usually need very good eyes), drive a 50mm nail through the plasterboard at the centre
of each planned light hole. If a nail hits timber, youll have to move the light, but even if it
doesnt youll have to get up into the roof space and check each nail to make sure that
the light will fit without fouling on timber, cables, ducts, insulation or anything else lurking
above your ceiling.
Lay down drop sheets on the floor and furniture its amazing how much mess a little
plaster dust can make!

1. Position your downlights with at least 100mm clearance

to roof structures and generally no closer than 800mm
between the lamp and a surface, although some lamps may be
positionedcloser.

Fig. 3

2. Cut the hole with a holesaw,

jigsaw or keyhole saw. Make sure
the other side of the ceiling is
clear of power cables, insulation or
otherobstructions.

Fig. 4

When you have the positions worked out, move everything out of the path of the saw.
For the small halogen lights a holesaw is ideal. For the much-larger recessed lights youll
need to mark the holes with a template or compass, and cut with a jigsaw, keyhole saw or
pad saw. The plasterboard cuts easily just take your time and make a neat job.
If you have many lights to fit, consider buying a dustbowl. This flexible plastic bowl fits
over the holesaw to catch dust.

Step 3: Installation
Most lights simply slip into the hole and hold themselves in position with spring-loaded
arms or other devices. Some lights might need two people to install them.
12-volt transformers may then be connected to the light by following the manufacturers and electricians
instructions. These transformers are heavy, and should be fixed to either the roof timbers or a separate piece
fixed across two ceiling joists. Dont be tempted to simply sit the transformer on the plasterboard they are
heavy enough to make the ceiling sag over time.

3. Connect the lamp socket, following the

manufacturers instructions. Make sure theres
at least 60mm of cable protruding to allow easy
lampreplacement.

Fig. 5

4. Hold back the clips and push the

downlight into position.

Fig. 6

Re-install any insulation that you moved, but make sure there is at least 200mm clear space all around the light
and any transformer. Otherwise you run the risk of overheating and causing a fire. Your electrician will take care
of the final connections.

These unobtrusive halogen lamps have a few simple

components: a ballast (transformer), light fitting, cables and a
lamp. Some models use low-energy 25W lamps, which produce
great light at lower cost.

5. Connect the lamp to the socket, push it up

into the housing and insert the circlip to hold it
inplace.

6. Have your electrician complete the electrical

connections and make your final adjustments
(if you have gimballed lights, hoods or
focusadjustments).