Replacing kitchen downlights

[Splicer2020]

I have 6 recessed downlights in my kitchen ceiling that are attached to a dimmer switch. Each downlight has a transformer. Because of the small space of the cavity and the insulation the transformers often overheat and break. This is extremely annoying because I have to remove the light casing each time to replace the transformer with the result that the ceiling around the light fixtures is scarred and dirty. I am quite frankly fed up and want to replace the downlight with more traditional hanging lights. My questions are:

1) do I need to keep the transformers or can I do away with them if I replace the downlights as mentioned?

2) are transformers need for the dimmer switch to work?

3) is there any way I can avoid all this and prevent the transformers from breaking so often without getting rid of the insulation in the ceiling cavity (the neighbour upstairs won't let us take any of it out)

Thanks for your help

 

[Andy™]

usually possible to remove transformers and convert to GU10 then fit LED's

 

[M107]

I've just replaced 36 down lights & transformers in a ceiling void that was a little tight on space with............

https://www.scolmore.com/products/inceptor-micro/

 

[Murdoch]

^^^ wot he said but you may need to replace the dimmer switch too

 

[M107]

I have 6 recessed downlights in my kitchen ceiling that are attached to a dimmer switch. Each downlight has a transformer. Because of the small space of the cavity and the insulation the transformers often overheat and break. This is extremely annoying because I have to remove the light casing each time to replace the transformer with the result that the ceiling around the light fixtures is scarred and dirty. I am quite frankly fed up and want to replace the downlight with more traditional hanging lights. My questions are:

1) do I need to keep the transformers or can I do away with them if I replace the downlights as mentioned?

Depends on what fittings you are changing too.

2) are transformers need for the dimmer switch to work?

No

3) is there any way I can avoid all this and prevent the transformers from breaking so often without getting rid of the insulation in the ceiling cavity (the neighbour upstairs won't let us take any of it out)

Push the insulation away from the light fittings or remove it, how will the neighbour know its gone

Thanks for your help

 

[Sharpend]

In answer to no3 m107, I believe with the insulation there the neighbour gets an even spread of heat, however with the insulation removed they may have trouble explaining what appears to be carpet burns on their arse to their other half?

 

[Rob_the_rich]

If replacing the fittings, they will need to be fired rated, like the ones in M107's link, which look quite good.

 

[kerching]

I've just replaced 36 down lights & transformers in a ceiling void that was a little tight on space with............

https://www.scolmore.com/products/inceptor-micro/

I use loads of these and the standard units.

note....make sure you register them for the warranty.just had 3 fail....2 years old....replaced by return of post!

excellent service.  10/10

 

[Splicer2020]

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies