Recessed Lighting Installation

Yes. Building Regulations require fire-rated downlights wherever the fitting penetrates a fire-resisting ceiling – which includes most ceilings in domestic properties. Fire-rated downlights contain an intumescent pad that expands in a fire, resealing the hole and maintaining the ceiling’s fire resistance for 30, 60, or 90 minutes depending on the rating. Steels Electrical fits fire-rated downlights as standard on every installation.

Bathrooms are divided into zones. Zone 1 (directly above the bath or shower) requires a minimum of IP65 – meaning the fitting is protected against water jets. Zone 2 (within 0.6m of Zone 1) requires IP44 minimum. Outside these zones, there is no specific IP requirement, but we recommend at least IP44 throughout a bathroom for peace of mind. We’ll advise on the correct rating for each position.

As a general rule, we recommend one downlight per 1.2–1.5 square metres of floor space, positioned evenly. A typical 4m x 3m kitchen would need six to eight downlights. Spacing depends on the beam angle and lumen output of the fitting, the ceiling height, and the room’s purpose. We’ll create a layout plan for you before any work begins.

Absolutely. We supply dimmable LED downlights and install compatible LED dimmer switches so you can set the perfect ambience in any room. We can also integrate your downlights with smart home systems such as Philips Hue or Lightwave for app and voice control.

We use precision hole-cutters to create neat, exact-size openings for each downlight. Our electricians take care to protect your furnishings and flooring, and we clean up fully after every installation. If your ceiling needs minor making good after the installation, we’ll let you know in advance.