Chrome Downlights | LED Downlights

What are spotlights?

Spotlights provide unrivalled coverage, giving you the power to light every corner of a room without the need for several hefty ceiling track lights and floor standing lamps. Recessed or surface mounted spotlights are ideal for any space that requires all-round illumination, such as hallways, living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens. There are also waterproof spotlights ideal for bathrooms.

Types of spot lights

There is no doubt that spotlights are different from general lights. Just like the other common lights, spotlights have also gone through many technological improvements and advancements. In fact, spotlights are completely transformed to a whole new level thanks to technology. They are divided into 7 different types based on their functions.

Ellipsoidal spotlight: 

Among all 7 types of spotlights, this is the common spotlight that is regularly in use. It usually produces round shaped light beams. But the shape of the light beams can be adjusted by the usage of different iris, gobo and shutters. For most people, the round shaped light beams are enough as a light source.

Fresnel spotlight: 

Augustine Fresnel, a French scientist has designed the Fresnel lenses and hence, this spotlight was given his name. The Fresnel spotlights are mostly used in lighthouses. The interesting fact about this spotlight is that it functions much like a floodlight. The light beam produced through this spotlight concentrate on illuminating one particular spot clearly. Yet, it lacks many of the benefits that other light sources have to offer.

The piano convex spotlight:

This is the first spotlight technology that was invented in the 19th Ever since its invention, the spotlight technology has gone through enormous amount of changes. Therefore, you’ll very rarely see that this type of spotlight is used in grand events.

Beam projector: 

This is the only type of spotlight that works without a lens. It produces very direct and powerful beams of light. Since it doesn’t have a lens, the lifespan of the spotlight can be much longer.

Follow spotlight: 

It is mainly used in drama theatres to illuminate a moving object such as the actor. This light is operated by a person and it won’t function through an automatic control system. This is because the trajectory of the light beam has to change constantly to illuminate the moving object, and in this case, the actor.

Parabolic Aluminized Reflector spotlight: 

This is the go to spotlight for stage lighting in the entertainment industry. All PAR spotlights consist of filament, reflector and lens. They are all placed in a fixed position. This is the reason why when you watch an award show based on the entertainment industry, the stage setup in particular gives out a glowing vibe.

Parabolic Aluminized Reflector pin spotlight:

This type of spotlight uses low voltage to produce narrower and concentrated light beams. Since it is different from a regular PAR spotlight, it is able to illuminate very finer details and objects such as the face of a performer.

These are a versatile lighting system, you can choose from adjustable single head spotlights and multiple head spotlights directing and focussing the light to where it is needed. Spotlights can be ceiling or wall mounted providing the required light to any area creating the perfect setting and enhancing any room. Spot-lights and Down-lights can add a touch of style turning an average space into a great space.

Spotlights are usually surface mounted and work the same way as down-lights plus are also known as LED Dimmable Spotlights, LED spotlights. Downlights are normally recessed into the ceiling.

Not all LED spotlights are dimmable, track you select the correct lamp that states it’s dimmable plus that it is suitable for LED light applications. Use an LED compatible dimmer switch as LED lighting has a lower wattage, a standard dimmer switch will not work correctly with an LED spotlight.

RS Components has a wide range of GU10 spotlights and GU10 down-lights from recognised manufacturers including the RS PRO brand. Our range of Spot-lights and down-lights include manufacturers like Ledvance, Knightsbridge, Intelligent LED Solution and Philips Lighting. Comapre lap Fixed to LAP CosmosEco Fixed Fire Contractor Pack Matt White 5.5W 500lm 10 Pack (891GX) is a great option for those in need of an easy-to-install, reliable downlight. The 4-way push fit screwless terminal block makes installation a breeze, while the clear acrylic prismatic optic lens ensures excellent light distribution. The matt white finish is perfect for any space, and the IP65 rating makes this downlight ideal for domestic use. So why wait? Order and compare LAP CosmosEco today!

What is Chrome spotlight?

Chrome plating (less commonly chromium plating) is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. The product of chrome plating is called chrome. The chromed layer can be decorative, provide corrosion resistance, ease cleaning procedures, or increase surface hardness. Sometimes, a less expensive imitator of chrome may be used for aesthetic purposes.These are the lights with chromium plating on it and these are available in various beautiful shapes ,colour and size.

What is the difference between a Downlight and a Spotlight?

Downlight:

A Downlight is a light placed or designed to throw illumination downwards, concentrating the light in a downward direction.A Downlight is often a light bulb set in a metal cylinder (usually a pressed steel or cast aluminium can), with a decorative fascia that is held into the ceiling using either spring clips or compression clips, mounted on or recessed into the ceiling concentrating the light in a downward direction.

A rated led downlight can be used in any room and are hugely popular in Kitchens and Bathrooms due to them being widely available in lap fixed led, and fire rated led variations.A fixed led downlight chrome can also be integrated (no need for a bulb), or a bulb can be added. The choice in colour temperature of the bulb will depend on the desired ambience of the room in which they are installed - Cool and crisp, or warm and cosy?

Spotlight:

A Spotlight is a lamp projecting a narrow, intense beam of light directly onto a place, and can be adjusted to any angle. Compare lap fixed to ceiling Spotlights, these are one of the most adaptable lighting options and they are a perfect lighting solution for any room. You can adjust the angle of the light, illuminating key areas. Bar lighting /fixed fire rated and multi way spotlights are extremely versatile as they are fixed from one cable point but allow for multiple light beams - allowing you to direct the light into specific areas or objects such as pictures!  A spotlight is also one of the best forms of task lighting.

Are spotlights / lighting and LED spotlights easy to install?

Yes, they are easy to install by an accomplished DIY enthusiast, however, approved electrical engineer’s should always be the preferred option. We recommend that fire rated spotlights are only fitted by a registered electrician.

Ceiling spotlights

Putting your home in the lighting

Every room in every home is different, so whether you’re looking for a calming effect in your sitting room, targeted lighting on walls in a hallway or conservatory or a dazzling effect while you cook or entertain in the kitchen, our fixed and tilting LED ceiling lighting will give your room its moment in the spotlight.We’ve got dozens of different ceiling spotlights for you to choose from in all sorts of styles, finishes and configurations, from single fixed spotlights to multiple head ones that can be adjusted in any position.

Which ceiling spotlights stock are available?

Whether you’re looking for fixed spots or need an adjustable light to brighten different areas,we’ve got spots in a range of colours - as well as the standard white - to brighten all types of decor, from contemporary and retro to vintage and industrial.

There are three main types of ceiling spotlights:

• Single spotlights that are adjustable and have a base
• Bar spotlights
• Recessed spotlights that sit flush with the ceiling
• Multiple head round and square plate spotlights

Why are LED spotlights ideal for ceiling spotlights?

For a long time, halogen bulbs were the number one choice for ceiling spotlights because of their compactness and the number of options available.However, these days, LEDs are the most popular choice.Why?For many reasons.Not only are LED spotlights more energy-efficient, lasting much longer than halogen bulbs, but they also give out a more comfortable light and can save homeowners up to 60% in energy and costs.

How do I align ceiling spots correctly?

Depending on what you want to highlight, you can align our spotlights in any direction you wish.Want to highlight a painting?No problem - just swivel the direction and before you know it that van Gogh copy will be the highlight of your lounge or hallway.But that’s not all.They’re also ideal for lighting the underneath of cupboards, bookshelves and closets and, if you’re looking to light up an entire room, tilting your spots to a wide-angle makes lighting every nook and cranny of even the darkest space easy-peasy.

Do I need a transformer for my ceiling spotlights?

Ceiling spotlights usually run at 230 volts, like ordinary ceiling lights. On our product pages, you’ll see this information in the product details.Usually, it’ll read something like this: “Supply voltage in Volt: 230”.

Should additional transformers be necessary, it’ll be noted in the product description.Do all ceiling spots and spotlights swivel or tilt?Usually, all spotlights can be swivelled or tilted. However, there are some models with fixed spots only.

Which is better with recessed spotlights – high voltage or low voltage?

There is no real advantage to either although we recommend low voltage in areas that can get damp, such as showers, etc (see our bathroom answer below).High voltage spotlights use 220 – 440 watt and do not need any other accessories/equipment in order to work. Low voltage spotlights only work with low voltage and need a transformer to reduce the mains power down to 12 volts.

What styles do they come in?

Our spotlights come in a huge variety of styles, colours and materials. Have a look through our choices in the search fields above if you don’t believe us. You can choose by colour, room type, style, price, material, base type, ingress protection (IP) code, dimensions, technology, number of bulbs and even wattage.

Are spotlights dimmable?

Most are but, to be sure, check the technical specifications for the bulb. It should say “Dimmable: Yes”.However, if you find a spotlight you love on our site that isn’t specified as dimmable you might be able to change the bulb to a dimmable one instead. Ask one of our advisors and always use a qualified electrician if you’re not confident in installing a dimmer switch yourself.

Do these spotlights come with built-in light bulbs?

Our LED ones usually do but always check the specifications page for the spotlight you’re interested in. If a base type is given it means the bulb is not built in.

Can I put spotlights in the bathroom?

Yes you can, but as electricity and water don’t mix well, at all, you have to be careful.All of our spotlights are rated according to their ingress protection (IP). This is a code that shows the fitting’s protection against the elements. It’s a two-digit number - the first one represents protection from solid objects on a scale of 0 – 6 while the second represents protection from liquids on a scale of 0 – 8.

Now the regulations divide your bathroom into three zones:

• Zone 1 is in the shower itself and your spotlight must be rated above IP4 to go in here.
• Zone 2 is around the shower and above the sink where it might get splashed by water and spotlights here must have an IP rating of 4 or more too.
• Zone 3 covers the rest of the bathroom and you need a light with an IP2 or greater rating.