How to change a downlight: what you can do and what an electrician must do

In short. In Australia a householder may change a downlight globe (GU10, MR16 or E27) and may unplug and replace a plug-in LED downlight, because it connects through a plug and socket in the ceiling space. Any downlight wired directly into the circuit, any new cable, and any change to a dimmer or switch is licensed electrical work. Bring the old unit to the showroom and the team will match the cut-out size, colour and beam angle.

How do I change the globe in a downlight?

Switch the light off and let it cool. A GU10 globe twists a quarter turn anticlockwise and drops out; an MR16 globe pulls straight down out of two pins, often after easing a wire retaining ring aside. Replace like for like: GU10 is 240 volt, MR16 is 12 volt and needs the transformer that is already there. Check the new globe is dimmable if the room has a dimmer, and match the Kelvin number to the other lights in the room.

How do I replace a plug-in LED downlight?

Switch off at the wall. Pull the fitting gently down from the ceiling; two spring clips fold up and release it. Behind it is a short lead to a plug in a socket, or a driver box with its own plug. Unplug it, plug in the new unit, fold the clips up and push the new downlight into the cut-out. The replacement must fit the existing hole (measure it; 70mm and 90mm are common) and should match its neighbours in colour temperature and beam angle.

When do I need an electrician?

• The old fitting has a terminal block, a junction box or bare conductors instead of a plug.
• You are moving a downlight, adding one, or changing from 12 volt to 240 volt.
• The dimmer or switch needs changing to suit the new LEDs.
• The ceiling has insulation touching the fitting: new fittings carry an IC rating for that and the installer must check it.

What should the new downlight be?

For most ceilings today: an integrated LED downlight, 8 to 12 watts, 800 to 1,000 lumens, 3000K for living areas or tri-colour switchable, 60 to 90 degree beam, dimmable, IC-rated, with a 70 to 90mm adjustable cut-out. The box states all of these. Bring the old one in and it is a two-minute match at the counter.

Where this fits at Cosmo

• LED downlights & ceiling lights at Cosmo
• Light globes at Cosmo
• LED downlight flickering
• How many downlights per room