The short answer
Upgrading halogen downlights to LED usually means replacing the whole fitting (and any old transformer in the ceiling), not just the globe, so it's electrical wiring work that needs a licensed electrician in NSW. The only part you can legally do yourself is change a light globe. Swapping a fitting for an equivalent one in exactly the same spot, without altering the circuit, counts as a repair under the national advisory note on safety switches, so it doesn't automatically trigger new safety switches. Moving lights, adding extra ones or changing the circuit does. LEDs use far less power, run cooler and last much longer, which makes them one of the easiest upgrades for older Wagga homes. Prices depend on the number of lights and the ceiling, so call or send the job through for a written quote.
Why people upgrade
Plenty of homes around Wagga still have halogen downlights from an earlier build or reno. Common reasons to switch:
- Power bills. LEDs give the same light for a fraction of the power.
- Heat. Halogens put out a lot of heat into the room and the roof space, which you notice in a Wagga summer.
- Blowing globes. If you're forever on the ladder replacing halogens, LED fittings last much longer.
- Better light. You can choose colour, brightness and dimming to suit each room.
- Old, tired fittings. Brittle fittings, discoloured trims and old transformers are a good reason to replace them anyway.
Can I just put LED globes in the old fittings?
Changing a light globe is the one bit of electrical maintenance the NSW Government says homeowners can do. You can buy LED globes made to replace some halogen types.
But there are catches. Some old fittings use a transformer in the ceiling that doesn't suit every LED globe, which can cause flicker, buzzing or early failure. And it does nothing about old, brittle fittings or wiring. For a proper result, most people replace the whole fitting. That means disconnecting and reconnecting wiring, which is electrical wiring work and needs a licensed electrician in NSW.
Removing transformers, cutting new holes, moving lights or adding switches are all electrical wiring work too. DIY electrical work is illegal in NSW and can void your home insurance. See DIY electrical work in NSW.
Do I need safety switches for new downlights?
It depends on what's being done. The national advisory note on safety switches (ERAC, endorsed by all Australian regulators) says:
- Like-for-like replacement is a repair. Replacing a light with an equivalent one in exactly the same place, without altering the circuit, doesn't require an RCD to be added.
- Altering or adding to a circuit means that circuit must get RCD protection at the switchboard. Adding extra downlights, moving them or running a new circuit counts.
- Only the altered circuit needs it. The rest of the house doesn't have to be upgraded, unless the switchboard is replaced.
Many lighting circuits in older homes have no safety switch at all. Even when it isn't required, it's worth considering one while Nelson is there. When safety switches are added across a home, lighting circuits are split across more than one RCD, so a single fault doesn't leave the whole house in the dark. If your board is old or full, see switchboard upgrades.
Choosing your LEDs
A few things to decide before the quote:
| Choice | What to think about |
|---|---|
| Colour | Warm white feels cosy for living areas and bedrooms. Cool or natural white suits kitchens, laundries and workspaces. Some fittings let you switch between them. |
| Brightness | Fewer, brighter lights or more, softer ones. Kitchens and work areas need more light than a lounge. |
| Dimming | If you want dimmers, the fittings and dimmer must be compatible. |
| Beam and layout | A like-for-like swap keeps the old holes. A new layout can light the room better, but means patching. |
| Trim | White, black or other finishes, round or square, to suit the ceiling. |
If you're not sure, ask Nelson what suits each room when you get the quote.
What's involved
- Count and look. How many downlights, which rooms, what's in the ceiling, and whether there are transformers.
- Written price before any work starts.
- Remove the old fittings and transformers, install the new LED fittings, and fit compatible dimmers if wanted.
- Patch or adjust where hole sizes differ, or where lights are moved.
- Test the lighting circuits and sign off.
- CCEW lodged through the Building Commission NSW eCert portal within 7 days of testing, with a copy emailed to you.
Do it with other jobs
A downlight upgrade is a good time to sort out other things in the ceiling and at the switchboard:
- add safety switches to the lighting circuits
- fix any old or damaged wiring found in the roof space
- add ceiling fans or exhaust fans
- check smoke alarms (NSW law requires at least one working AS 3786 alarm on each level)
- plan lighting for an upcoming reno; see the renovation electrical checklist
If you're in an older home, Nelson will note anything he sees in the roof that needs attention. See old house wiring.
Getting a price
There's no fixed published price for downlights because it depends on how many there are, what's in the ceiling, whether lights move and which fittings you choose. Travel is free close to Wagga and charged further out. Call Nelson on 0416 085 416 or send the job through for a written quote.
For more on lighting work, see lighting.
Common questions
Can I replace halogen downlights with LEDs myself in NSW?
You can change a light globe. Replacing the fitting, removing a transformer or changing any wiring is electrical wiring work, which in NSW must be done by a licensed electrician.
Do new LED downlights need a safety switch?
Not always. A like-for-like replacement in exactly the same place, without altering the circuit, is treated as a repair. If lights are added or moved, or the circuit is altered, that circuit must get RCD protection.
Why do my LED globes flicker in the old fittings?
A common cause is an old transformer that doesn't suit the LED globe, or a dimmer that isn't compatible. Replacing the fitting and using a compatible dimmer usually fixes it.
How is an LED downlight upgrade priced in Wagga?
It depends on the number of lights, the ceiling and the fittings. Call Nelson or send the job through for a written quote before any work starts.