Ceiling light installation is not a bed of thorns. Are you wondering how to install LED ceiling lights in London homes? You can try a DIY installation for your room ceiling lights. No wonder, Ceiling lights are highly efficient as they use 90% of the electricity to light up the room rather than generating heat.
Installing ceiling LED lights is not a big deal unless there are complexities in the circuits or switches. You need enough electrical knowledge when installing an LED bulb.
In this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of ‘how to install LED ceiling lights.’ Hopefully, it will help you throughout the process. Without any further delay, let’s dive into it.
How to Install LED Ceiling Lights?
From bedrooms to schools, commercial areas to industrial warehouses, LED bulbs have taken over everywhere. The word LED stands for ‘Light Emitting Diode’. These lights use 90% less energy, consistently reducing utility bills.
Moreover, LED bulbs are lightweight. Can you install them alone? Perhaps, Yes. But how would you do that? Have you ever learnt or planned the processes?
Before installation, plan the step-by-step process of how to install LED ceiling lights. Several key factors should be considered before installing LED lights. Let’s delve into those key factors.
Types of Ceiling Lights
There are various types of LED ceiling lights, including flush-mount lights, pendant lights, and panel lights. Select which type of light you want to install.
Circuit Type
You must determine the circuit type if there is any existing circuit in your room ceiling. If not, then decide which type of circuit you want. It can be a junction-box wiring or a loop-in wiring circuit.
Switch Type
If you plan to install more than one LED light, you must decide on the type of switches to use. You can use one switch for all the lights or install individual switches.
Position
When installing LED lights on your room’s ceiling, you must select the location where you want to place them. For multiple LED bulbs, you can measure the gaps in between and mark the positions.
Installation Breakdown of LED Ceiling Lights
Are LED ceiling lights easy to install? The wiring system may seem a little bit clumsy to you. Opt for a DIY if you have enough knowledge or experience about the electrical setup. Otherwise, you can leave it to the professionals.
Now, the question may arise, ‘ Is it possible to install all types of LED ceiling lights in the same process?’ Sorry, it’s a big No. Let’s dive into the installation processes of each type of LED light.
Ceiling Flush LED Light Installation
Flush lights sit directly against the ceiling. You can drill a hole for the circuit line and wiring. Sometimes, flush lights come with back adhesives. Ceiling flush lights are focus-centric. They are easy to install and detach.
What you’ll need to install ceiling flush lights:
▪️Screwdriver.
▪️Flush light fixture.
▪️Wire strippers.
▪️Voltage tester.
▪️Wire nuts.
▪️Electric Tape.
▪️Ladder.
Installation Process:
▪️Turn off the power.
▪️Test the circuit with a voltage tester.
▪️Unscrew the old fixtures, wire connectors, and tape.
▪️Run the cables through the new fixture.
▪️Connect the cables and fix them with wire nuts.
▪️Attach the light to the fixture.
▪️Mount the light-attached fixture directly on the ceiling or use a mounting bracket.
▪️Fix the screws and tighten them.
▪️Turn on the power and check if the setup is complete.
Ceiling Pendant LED Light Installation
Pendant lights are not only illuminators; they are also a presence of art. Whether it’s a designer pendant light or a luxurious chandelier, you need to hang it from the ceiling. These lights brighten up the room with a classic decorative vibe.
What you’ll need to install ceiling pendant lights:
▪️Drill.
▪️Anchor(If required).
▪️Fixture.
▪️Screwdriver.
▪️Wire nuts.
▪️Wire strippers.
▪️Ladder.
▪️Tape.
▪️Voltage tester.
Installation Process:
▪️Switch off the power.
▪️Test the circuit with a voltage tester.
▪️Disconnect the pre-existing wires carefully.
▪️Remove any old fixture that exists.
▪️Reinforce the ceiling box if your pendant light or chandelier is heavy.
▪️Measure the desired chain or rod according to the room height.
▪️Fasten the wires and attach wire nuts.
▪️Hide the loose cables inside the ceiling rose.
▪️Mount the light to the base fixture.
▪️Double-check stability.
▪️Switch on the power and check.
Ceiling Panel Lights
Ceiling Panel Lights are thin, flat, and mostly rectangular, square, or round in shape. These lights can be used for bedroom lighting, classroom lighting, office lighting, warehouse lighting, etc. Panel lights are famous for their glare-free, radiant lighting. They are also known as ‘Downlights’. In terms of fixing, panel lights are of three types. They are:
▪️Recessed panel light.
▪️Surface-mounted panel light.
▪️Suspended panel light.
The installation process of these types is different. But they require similar equipment for installation. Would you like to delve into the details? Let’s focus.
What you’ll need to install ceiling pendant lights:
▪️Drill.
▪️Fixture.
▪️Driver Unit.
▪️Screwdriver.
▪️Wire nuts.
▪️Wire strippers.
▪️Ladder.
▪️Electrical Tape.
▪️Voltage tester.
Installation Process of Recessed Panel Lights:
▪️Switch off the power.
▪️Test the power lines with the voltage tester.
▪️Disconnect the existing wires carefully (if any).
▪️Measure the light size, mark, and cut the ceiling required for the panel light opening. You can use a saw or a sharp cutter.
▪️Attach the drive unit to the panel light. Run the cable through the drive units and connect the wires. Attach the wire nuts for safety.
▪️Push the panel light through the opening to ensure it fits snugly.
▪️Check the light by restoring the power.
Installation Process of Surface-mounted Panel Lights:
▪️Turn off the power.
▪️Drill the ceiling to mount the base plate.
▪️Connect the wires to the appropriate circuit lines.
▪️Mount the lights to the base plate and then secure them tightly to the ceiling.
▪️Turn on the power and check if the light is okay.
Installation Process of Surface-mounted Panel Lights:
▪️First, switch off the electrical power.
▪️Drill holes in the ceiling to create the opening.
▪️Mount the suspension wires accordingly.
▪️Connect the wires, twist them together, and secure them with wire nuts.
▪️Hang the panel light, adjusting the height.
▪️Turn on the power and check the light.
Circuit: Junction Box wiring or Loop-in wiring?
The circuit choice for your ceiling light depends on several factors, including the ceiling space, cable complexity, and the type of switch. Both types of wiring are common in London homes. If you have a complex or multiple wiring in your house, opt for the junction box wiring.
For a minimal compact ceiling, you should choose loop-in wiring. Let’s jump into the wiring processes and their pros and cons.
Junction Box Wiring
In a junction box wiring, the junction box works as a central hub for connecting multiple wires. It is usually kept hidden inside or behind the ceiling. Now, let’s sneak into details:
How to wire:
▪️Connect the only cable of the junction box to a three-terminal junction box.
▪️Run the 1mm 2 core and earth cable through the ceiling rose or back unit.
▪️Now, connect the brown cable to the live cable, the blue cable to the neutral terminal, and the earth cable to the earth terminal.
Pros of Junction Box wiring:
▪️The wires remain compact in a box, and it is durable.
▪️It reduces accidental damage.
▪️Flexible for multiple fixtures and switches.
Cons of Junction Box Wiring:
▪️This is a complex method.
▪️Takes a lot of time.
▪️It occupies sufficient space on the ceiling or wall.
▪️It might be placed in a hard-to-access area on the ceiling.
▪️You may need professional help with junction box wiring.
Loop-in Wiring
In loop-in wiring, you need to connect the main cable’s wires to individual terminals. You can use a four-terminal junction box, or a ceiling rose to proceed with the loop-in wiring. Let’s show you the process:
How to wire:
▪️Push out all the old cables.
▪️There can be multiple cores of wire that come from the main cable. Connect the main cable’s copper core to the live terminal. Connect the neutral core to the neutral terminal and the earth core to the earth terminal. Here comes the fourth cable, which serves as a twist and needs to be connected directly to the ceiling light. This connection loop is from the central cable cores.
▪️Twist and secure with wire nuts.
Pros of Loop-in wiring:
▪️It is Easy to install.
▪️Simple maintenance.
▪️Takes less space.
▪️It is Easy to expand the number of lights by extending the loop.
▪️It is a budget-friendly method.
Cons of Loop-in Wiring:
▪️The ceiling rose may appear crowded due to the presence of loop wires.
▪️It may be unable to undertake heavy circuit loads.
Can I Add a New Ceiling Light to the Existing Switch?
Are you planning to attach a new ceiling light to the existing switch? It can be a parallel connection, where all the connected lights turn on and off simultaneously on the same switch. Is it hard to do? Not at all.
Here, we will guide you through simple techniques for adding a new ceiling light to an existing switch.
Via Junction Box Wiring:
▪️Turn off the power.
▪️Cut off a small section of the feed cable from the original cable of the ceiling light to create a path through the three-terminal junction box. Run a 1 mm2 core and earth cable through the three-terminal junction and connect the wires to the new ceiling light cables. Attach the cables, twist them, and secure them with wire connectors.
▪️Push the new ceiling light cables through the new ceiling rose.
Via Loop-in Wiring:
▪️Switch off the main power.
▪️Take a spur from the main cable. Make sure that the cable has a brown core connected to it, a blue core connected to the neutral, and an earth core connected to the earth terminal. Now, take that spur closer to the new ceiling light’s ceiling rose.
▪️Connect the brown core to the live terminal, the blue core to the neutral, and the earth core to the earth terminal.
▪️Twist properly, secure using wire nuts, and push the cores behind the new ceiling rose. Then, fasten the new ceiling rose along with the new ceiling LED light.
DIY VS Professional Ceiling LED Light Installation
If you are determined to execute a DIY light installation, you must learn how to install LED ceiling lights properly. You must have enough electrical knowledge. Leave the complex issues to professionals.
Now, let’s discuss the pros and cons of DIY and Professional installation to make it more straightforward.
Pros of DIY Ceiling LED Light Installation:
▪️Saves labour costs.
▪️Flexible, you can do it at your convenience.
Cons of DIY Ceiling LED Light Installation:
▪️A poorly set-up system can lead to buzzing, flickering, and electrical hazards.
▪️The circuit load can be high or may exceed its capacity.
▪️It may require further electrical work by professionals if any problems arise.
Pros of Professional Ceiling LED Light Installation:
▪️Saves time.
▪️Keeps you free from compatibility and circuit load issues.
▪️NICEIC-certified electricians meet up with UK wiring regulations.
Cons of Professional Ceiling LED Light Installation:
▪️Higher costs.
▪️The schedule may not align with your timeline.
▪️Poor quality work may result in uneven illumination or require additional repairs.
Safety Precautions to Install a Ceiling LED Light
There is no substitute for precaution. Now that you know how to install LED ceiling lights, you should also be aware of the safety factors involved.
Here are some major precautions you can’t skip:
Maintain the Building Regulations
When installing LED ceiling lights, it is essential to follow the UK building wiring regulations. If you need to drill or cut out a portion of the ceiling, ensure it complies with building codes.
Make Sure the Power is Off
Before starting the LED ceiling light installation, turn off the main power supply. It is one of the significant safety considerations to avoid electrical shock or accidental electrocution.
Check the Ladder’s Stability
When installing an LED ceiling light, a ladder is required. To avoid unpleasant falls, you must check if the ladder is durable. Additionally, ensure it is located on stable, flat ground.
Prevent Overloading
The wattage of ceiling lights must be lower than the circuit’s load capacity. Calculate correctly to avoid overload in the circuit.
Handle and Inspect Carefully
Check for exposed wires, loose connections, and other potential hazards. Make sure that the wiring is perfect. Instead of touching the bulb, you should hold the light fixture’s base.
Measure the Compatibility
Whether it’s drilling a hole or cutting a ceiling opening, measure carefully. Check if the light fixture is compatible with the mounting bracket and the hole size.
How Much Does it Cost to Install LED Ceiling Lights?
The total cost of installing ceiling LED lights can vary depending on factors such as the number of bulbs, complexity, and wiring requirements.
Yet, a common question often pops into your head about how much it costs to install LED ceiling lights. Let’s get an average estimation of installing LED ceiling lights.
LED Light Price Range
| Ceiling LED Light Type | Price range in London |
| Flush LED ceiling Lights | £13-£550 |
| Chandelier Lights LED | £43-£6000+ |
| Ceiling Pendant Lights LED | £7-£3600+ |
| LED ceiling Panel Lights | £20-£1500+ |
| LED Spotlight Ceiling Lights | £7-£250+ |
Installation Cost & Duration
The number of fixtures, wiring conditions, duration, light type, and other factors may affect the installation cost. However, let’s have an approximate range of labour costs and duration to install LED ceiling lights.
| Ceiling LED Light Type | Installation Cost (per point) (Installation Only) | Duration (Per Light) |
| Flush Lights | £30-£50 | 1-2 hours |
| Spotlights | £60-£80 | 1-2 hours |
| Pendant Light | £30-£50( with existing wiring) £50-£80(without existing wiring) | 1-2 hours ( with existing wiring) 4-6 hours (without existing wiring) |
| Chandelier Lights | £40-£60 | 1-8 hours |
| Panel Lights | £50-£100 | 1-6 hours |
Electrician Rate: £30-£50 (Hourly), £200-£300+ (Daily).
Wrapping Up
Do you still have any confusion about how to install LED ceiling lights? Led Lighting Installations electric professionals are always available to solve all your queries. Will you plan only, or execute them as well? Take a courageous step and keep moving forward.
Modern lighting with LED ceiling lights is fascinating indeed. They are a perfect combination of illumination, style, and elegance. Adorn your room with classy ceiling LED lights and brighten it with positive energy.
Do you want to hire professional experts? We are just one phone call away. Feel free to contact us and find a NICEIC-certified professional electrician near you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On How To Install LED Ceiling Lights in London
1. Are LED ceiling lights easy to install?
LED ceiling lights are quite easy to install unless there are complexities. You can even secure an LED light on the ceiling yourself if there are existing wires.
2. Do LED lights require special wiring?
LED lights can be installed using the regular wiring. Some LED lights come with a built-in transformer. Only LED strip lights require an additional power line.
3. Can I install ceiling lights myself?
Yes, absolutely. You can install ceiling lights in the existing wiring yourself with electrical knowledge. If you need rewiring, you may seek help from professional electricians.
4. How do I identify ceiling light wires?
Ceiling LED light wires come with individual colours. The hot wire often comes in red or black colour. Whereas, the neutral wire comes with blue or white colour, and the earth wire comes with green colour.