Led Downlights Too Bright

[biffta]

Have just had the whole flat fitted with new LED bulbs and they're pretty good - a little too good really. The ceilings aren't the tallest so place feels a little too bright. The colour of the light isn't terrible (3000K) it's just perhaps a combination of the number of bulbs and low ceiling.

I do actually have a dimmer switch available in two of the rooms but I wasn't overly impressed with it to be honest. It certainly makes them dimmer but also look less natural and slightly fluorescent looking.

Aside from taking them all down and trying to buy new ones do I have any other options? What I think would be great is if there was some kind of filter or diffuser I could stick over the front of them; just to take the edge off if you catch my drift. However after Googling around I've found no such thing seems to exist.

Cheers!

 

[Blue Duck]

depends on the type of fitting really. you could try lighting gels?

 

[roys]

When I first swopped out the halogens in my kitchen for led my wife thought they were too bright, (I didn't), but within 2 days she was used to it and wouldn't have it any other way now.

Of course in your case it might be different but it is amazing how quickly you get used to it.

 

[NozSpark]

I've just ordered some 4.8W GX53 replacements for our kitchen light, I hope they'll be ok?

 

[biffta]

The type of fitting is one where the bulb and unit are all as one, I could get the exact make and model if that's helpful? Could you give me any more info regarding these gels?

 

[Blue Duck]

http://www.terralec.co.uk/gels__filters/high_temperature_colour_filter/22802_p.html

 

[Doc Hudson]

Personally I would have gone for a warmer 2700k LED for domestic dwelling.  3000k can be a bit too white.

from one of our sponsors info pages  http://www.novelenergylighting.com/led-guide/

Colour temperature selection can depend on the kind of mood or atmosphere you prefer for your space:

• 2,700K = warm white (yellow white incandescent-like tone): suitable for residential or hospitality spaces where a more intimate feel is required
• 3,000K = neutral white (crisper white tones)
• 4,000K+ = cool white (bluer white tones)
• 6,500K = daylight: suitable for fluorescent tube replacement in utilitarian spaces 

Doc H

 

[Rob_the_rich]

found this stuff too http://www.leefilters.com/lighting/zircon.html

 

[Murdoch]

How many did you get changed? I always recommend a few are changed first, so the customer can see what they look like!

 

[biffta]

Had three new ceiling put up and whole place rewired so it was an all its nothing type operation.

I've looked at the links for the gels and I might will buy a roll, it's just a shame there isn't anything a bit less "disco". Thanks anyway!

 

[steptoe]

Shouldn't you be questioning the quality of your electrician for putting so many in then?

I'd be throwing this back at him as the quality of lighting is lacking that which would be expected in a domestic environment

 

[biffta]

The trouble is I supplied the lights, he just did the install. I don't think I went crazy with the numbers, the luminosity is only a bit on the high side, just think it's a combination of factors like the low ceilings. I have yet to speak to him about it (or pay) but I'm not sure he's going to have many suggestions.

 

[steptoe]

Try lower lumens lamps,?

Tbh, I always try and push my customers to 4500k or brighter, so why you (and your spark) are having issues with lights of <3000k is somewhat of a puzzle to me.

I'd say poor planning, or poor Co-ordination is the problem here tbh. 

 

[pewter]

Shouldn't you be questioning the quality of your electrician for putting so many in then?

I'd be throwing this back at him as the quality of lighting is lacking that which would be expected in a domestic environme

If a dimmer has being fitted and the OP still doesnt like it dimmed, i dont think having less would cure the problem.

I have had a customer request daylight LED GU10 replacements, his wife didnt like them so they then asked for warm white, the husband then didnt like that and they tried another set, all at there cost. They did settle for them in the end.

My point being some people are just not fond of change and it takes a while for them to get used to it, as pointed out by 'Roys'.  When i first changed my kitchen ones it seemed so bright but we have all got used to it now, even the misses.

If they are the LEDlite models from TLC you can change the lenses on them for wider angle, which i had to do for one customer.

 

[steptoe]

He said the dimmer made them look like flourescents, 

Which makes me think,

Either non dimmable lamps, or the incorrect type of dimmer, or, incorrect choice of "spark"    

 

[pewter]

He said the dimmer made them look like flourescents, 

Which makes me think,

Either non dimmable lamps, or the incorrect type of dimmer, or, incorrect choice of "spark"    

or the wrong customer,   no offence to the OP but sometimes like my example the customer (or one of them husband /wife) is not happy with what they can afford.

I wonder if they are dimming correctly, or if they have an incorrect dimmer.

The LEDlite ones can also have an baffle fitted to raise the fitting into the ceiling, which might take the glare off.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LTBAFWH.html

OP can you provide a link to show the fitting you purchased?

 

[biffta]

They're definitely dimmable units, and I'm pretty sure I bought the correct dimming module, is it all possible the spark could have fitted them incorrectly? As I said they do dim down to quite a low level, but it just doesn't look that great, almost a bit flickier.

 

[biffta]

Units were:

ansell-orbio360-ip65-warm-white-7-6w-led-downlight

Dimmer:

aorbleddimmer-ansell-orbio-dimmer-module

 

[pewter]

Units were:

ansell-orbio360-ip65-warm-white-7-6w-led-downlight

Dimmer:

aorbleddimmer-ansell-orbio-dimmer-module

If the ones you bought were the dimmable versions, and if you have <20 fittings on 1 dimmer it looks like you have the right stuff.

What is the size of the room, and how many fittings in there.

 

[kerching]

The last job I Did client did not know what colour they wanted.

Got them to fit the switchable PAL units

switchable between the three colours ( switch on board )....no issues!