Question 1

What size hole (cut-out) does a recessed LED panel need?

Accepted Answer

Every model lists its own cut-out size on the pack or datasheet — cut exactly to that. Too big and the spring clips won't hold the panel; too small and it won't fit. Measure the false-ceiling cavity depth too, so the driver and the fitting have room.

Question 2

What's the difference between recessed and surface LED panels?

Accepted Answer

A recessed panel sits inside a false ceiling with only its face showing. A surface panel mounts directly on a concrete ceiling or wall, so no false ceiling is needed. Choose surface panels for slab ceilings and recessed panels where there's a gypsum or POP ceiling.

Question 3

How far apart should downlights be?

Accepted Answer

A common rule of thumb is about 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) between downlights and about half that distance from the walls, adjusted for ceiling height and beam angle. Higher ceilings and narrower beams need closer spacing for even light.

Question 4

How many panel lights do I need for a 12×12 ft room?

Accepted Answer

A 12 × 12 ft room is about 13.4 m². For around 150 lux you need roughly 4,000 lumens from the fittings — about four 12 W panels, or two to three 18 W panels, depending on their lumen output.

Question 5

Can I fit a panel light without a false ceiling?

Accepted Answer

Yes — use a surface-mount panel, which fixes straight onto a concrete ceiling. Recessed panels need a false-ceiling cavity to sit in.

Question 6

Where does the driver of a recessed panel go?

Accepted Answer

The driver rests in the false-ceiling cavity beside the fitting. Keep it away from heat sources and insulation, don't let it hang by its wires, and make sure the supply connection is in a proper connector or terminal block.

Question 7

What is a COB downlight used for?

Accepted Answer

A COB downlight uses a single chip-on-board LED behind a reflector to throw a focused, punchy beam. It's used for accent lighting, washing walls and art, retail displays, and in rows along corridors and false-ceiling coves.

Question 8

What is a deep recessed (anti-glare) light?

Accepted Answer

A deep recessed downlight sets the LED further back inside the fitting, so you see light on the floor and walls rather than a bright dot in the ceiling. It reduces glare in living rooms, hotels, offices and showrooms.

Question 9

What is track lighting?

Accepted Answer

Track lighting uses a ceiling-mounted rail that carries power; spotlights clip on anywhere along it and can be moved and aimed. It suits shops, showrooms, galleries and kitchens where what needs lighting changes.

Question 10

What is magnetic track lighting?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic track systems run at a safe low voltage (often 48 V DC) and use light modules that snap onto the track with magnets — spots, linear lights and grille lights. They look slim and modern and can be rearranged without tools.

Question 11

Should I use a single-circuit or multi-circuit track?

Accepted Answer

Single-circuit tracks are enough for most homes. Two- and three-circuit tracks let you switch groups of spots separately and are used in shops. Track adaptors must match the track type — they aren't interchangeable between systems.

Question 12

How much light does a kitchen need?

Accepted Answer

A typical 8 × 10 ft kitchen needs about 3,500–4,000 lumens of general light (two or three 15–18 W panels), plus a strip or batten under the wall cabinets so the worktop isn't in your own shadow.

Question 13

Why don't my panel lights all look the same colour?

Accepted Answer

Different colour temperatures (3000K, 4000K, 6500K), different series or different batches look different side by side. Buy all the lights for one room together, in the same colour temperature and series.

Question 14

Can recessed lights be used in a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if they have suitable water protection: IP44 at least in a bathroom, and IP65 directly above a shower. Protect the bathroom circuit with a 30 mA RCCB.

Question 15

What is a frameless (borderless) panel?

Accepted Answer

A frameless panel has little or no visible rim, so the light seems to float in the ceiling. It's a design choice; it installs like a normal recessed panel.

Question 16

What is an angle-adjustable (tilt) downlight?

Accepted Answer

A tilt downlight can be angled inside its frame to wash a wall, highlight a picture or light a display without moving the fitting. It's handy in living rooms, galleries and shops.

Question 17

What is a lazer blade light?

Accepted Answer

A lazer blade is a slim linear recessed light with a narrow slot of light, used in false ceilings to draw clean lines of light in modern interiors.

Question 18

Is a 2×2 ft panel right for a home?

Accepted Answer

2 × 2 ft panels are made for offices with grid (tile) ceilings, where they drop straight into the grid. In homes, smaller round or square recessed or surface panels usually look neater.

Question 19

How do I replace a dead recessed panel?

Accepted Answer

Switch the circuit off at the MCB, pull the panel down gently so the springs fold back, disconnect it from the supply connector and fit a new one of the same cut-out size. If only the driver has failed, a compatible driver can sometimes be swapped in.

Question 20

What is glare, and how do I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Glare is uncomfortable brightness in your view — a bright point in the ceiling or a reflection on a screen. Choose diffused or deep-recessed fittings, avoid putting spots right above sofas, beds and desks, and aim adjustable lights at walls rather than at people.

Question 21

How much light does a living room need?

Accepted Answer

Layer it: general light from panels or downlights (about 150–200 lux), accent lights on walls or art, and a reading lamp or pendant where you sit. A 12 × 16 ft living room needs roughly 5,500–7,000 lumens of general light.

Question 22

What's the difference between a spotlight and a downlight?

Accepted Answer

A downlight lights the area below it; a spotlight throws a narrower, usually adjustable beam to pick out something specific. Many COB fittings can do either, depending on their beam angle and tilt.

Question 23

What is a surface spotlight?

Accepted Answer

A surface spot is a cylinder-shaped light fixed straight onto the ceiling — used where there's no false ceiling, or for a modern exposed look. Many can be tilted to aim the beam.

Question 24

Why is one side of my panel dimmer than the rest?

Accepted Answer

Edge-lit panels push light from LEDs around the rim through a light-guide plate; if one side is dim, LEDs on that edge may have failed or the light guide may be damaged. Back-lit panels place LEDs behind the diffuser instead.

Question 25

Does an LED panel need an earth wire?

Accepted Answer

Metal-bodied (Class I) fittings must be earthed. Many plastic-bodied panels are double insulated (Class II) and have no earth terminal. Follow the terminal markings on the fitting.

Question 26

Can indoor LED panels be used outdoors?

Accepted Answer

No — indoor panels aren't sealed against rain and dust. For covered porches use fittings rated IP54 or higher; for exposed walls and gates use proper outdoor wall, bulkhead or flood lights.

Question 27

What lighting works best for a shop?

Accepted Answer

Shops usually combine bright, even general light (about 300–750 lux) from panels or linear lights with COB or track spots on displays. Use high-CRI lights where colour matters — clothes, jewellery, sweets and food.