Replacing Lights with LED

Posted on: April 16th, 2025 by Aaron McGregor No Comments

Replacing Lights with LED

Ever looked around your home at your old light fittings and wondered if its time to take the leap into replacing lights with LED ? Switching from old-fashioned incandescent or halogen light bulbs to LED lighting is one of the easiest ways to save money, reduce your energy use, and upgrade the look and feel of your home. At ACE Sydney Electricians, we help Gladesville locals and surrounding Sydney suburbs make this smart switch every day.

Here’s your simple, practical guide to LED lighting – what it is, why it matters, and how to make the change.

How to Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs with LEDs?

Changing over to LED is easier than you think.

Turn off the power and let the old bulb cool down.
Carefully remove the old incandescent or halogen bulb – use gloves if needed.
Screw in the new LED bulb. Don’t overtighten.

✅ Good news: Most LED bulbs have the same base size as incandescent ones, so it’s usually a quick swap.

How to Find the Appropriate Lumens for Your Light

LED lights are measured in lumens, not watts. Here’s a quick guide to get the same brightness as your old bulbs:

60W incandescent ≈ 800 lumens LED
75W incandescent ≈ 1100 lumens LED
100W incandescent ≈ 1600 lumens LED

Tip: Look at the lumen count on the packaging, not just the wattage.

How to Choose Incandescent Alternatives?

When picking the right LED alternative, make sure you:

Match the bulb base type (e.g. A19, A21 – you’ll see it printed on the bulb).
Choose non-dimmable LEDs unless you have a compatible dimmer switch.
Consider integrated LED fixtures for hard-to-reach spots – they last longer and are often more efficient.

A Few Reasons To Upgrade

There are plenty of benefits when you make the switch to LED lighting in your home or business:

✅ Energy Savings

LEDs use up to 88% less energy than halogens or incandescent lights.

✅ Long Life

LEDs can last up to 12 years, while halogens last just over a year.

✅ Safety

LEDs stay cool to the touch – no more fire hazards or burnt fingers.

✅ Lower Carbon Footprint

Using less electricity means lower emissions.

✅ Save Money

Replacing 20 halogen bulbs with LEDs can save you around $326 per year on your power bills!

Not All LED Lights Are Equal

Cheap LED bulbs often don’t last or may flicker. Here’s what to look for:

Reputable brands
Warranty or lifespan guarantee
Correct brightness and colour temperature (soft white for bedrooms, daylight for workspaces)

LED Downlights Vs Halogen Lighting

Swapping old halogen downlights for LED downlights is one of the best upgrades you can make.

Benefits of LED Downlights:

Easy Maintenance: Swap bulbs yourself in the future.
No Heat Marks: LEDs run cool, protecting your ceiling.
Better Comfort: Enjoy soft, warm or cool lighting to suit every room.
Smart Home Ready: Many LED lights now work with smart home systems.

Installation Tips:

Plug-in downlights are safest and easiest for future changes.
Hardwired setups are best handled by a licensed electrician.
Building or renovating? Ask about Clipsal QuickConnect plugs – they’re great for future-proofing your lighting.

FAQs about LED Lighting

Can I use LED bulbs in all my existing fittings?
Yes, in most cases. Just make sure the base fits and check for dimmer compatibility.

Are LED lights better for the environment?
Absolutely. They use less power and last longer, which means less waste and fewer emissions.

Can I use LED lights in outdoor fixtures?
Yes – just make sure the bulb or fixture is rated for outdoor or wet use.

FAQs about ACE Sydney Electricians

Do you service Gladesville and nearby areas?
Yes! We proudly help homeowners and businesses across Gladesville , Ryde, and the greater Sydney region.

Do you offer LED lighting upgrades?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a full LED retrofit or just replacing a few bulbs, we’ve got you covered.

Can you install plug-in downlights?
Yes – we can safely install plug bases so you can change your own downlights in the future, saving you money.

Are your electricians licensed?
Yes, all our electricians are fully licensed, insured, and experienced with LED lighting systems.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose LED Lighting?

When it comes to LED vs halogen, LED lighting comes out on top in every category – energy savings, safety, lifespan, environmental impact, and long-term costs.

If you’re looking to upgrade your lighting in Gladesville or surrounding suburbs, get in touch with ACE Sydney Electricians. We’re here to help you choose the right products and make sure your install is fast, safe, and future-ready.

ACE can help with many of your lightning needs – like installing chandeliers, adding sensor or flood lights to your property. Wonder how else we can help – check out our list of services here.

We also have a Youtube channel with easy to follow videos to help solve electrical issues around your home.

Like the energy saving benefits that LED’s provide, why not check out other energy saving methods for your Gladesville property.

Why Halogen Down Lights Cause Fires

Posted on: June 29th, 2018 by Ace No Comments

Why Halogen Down Lights Cause Fires

At ACE Sydney Electricians, we’re all about making homes safer, smarter, and more energy-efficient. One thing we keep seeing again and again? Old halogen downlights that are quietly putting homes at risk.

Let’s break down exactly why halogen downlights are a problem—and what you can do about it.

1. They Get Incredibly Hot

Halogen downlights might look neat and tidy in your ceiling, but underneath? They’re tiny heaters.

A single halogen bulb can reach over 300°C—that’s hot enough to scorch insulation, dry out nearby timbers, and even ignite flammable materials. We’ve seen ceiling spaces with blackened batts and burned joists, all caused by years of silent overheating.

Think about this: would you ever leave a mini heater buried inside your ceiling, on all day?

2. They’re a Major Fire Risk

In older homes, halogen downlights are often installed with no protective canister or heat shield. That means insulation can sit right on top of them—or shift into place over time—which dramatically increases fire risk.

It’s no exaggeration: many house fires have been traced back to halogen downlights that were doing their job… too well.

3. They’re Expensive to Run

Not only are they dangerous, but halogen lights are also energy guzzlers. Each bulb draws around 50 watts, and if you’ve got ten of them in a room, that adds up quickly.

Compare that to modern LED downlights, which give off just as much (if not more) light using only 8 to 12 watts. That’s an energy saving of up to 80%—and it adds up to big savings on your power bill.

4. They Don’t Last Long

Halogen bulbs typically last just 1,000 to 2,000 hours, and that’s if they don’t blow early. If you’re replacing them every year or two, you’re not only wasting money on bulbs—you’re also paying for a professional to get up into the ceiling every time something goes wrong.

LEDs, on the other hand? They last up to 50,000 hours and require next to no maintenance.

5. They’re Outdated and Non-Compliant

With rising safety and energy standards, halogen downlights are now seen as old tech. In fact, many building codes and insurers are encouraging (or requiring) homeowners to upgrade to safer alternatives. If you’re planning a renovation or just trying to keep your home compliant, halogens should be the first thing to go.

✅ What ACE Can Do For You

At ACE Sydney Electricians, we specialise in replacing outdated halogen lighting with modern, fire-rated, energy-efficient LED downlights. Our licensed professionals :

Check and upgrade your wiring if needed
Use IC-rated LEDs that are safe to cover with insulation
Makes sure your lighting layout suits your home and lifestyle
Leaves everything neat, safe, and future-ready

You’ll get better lighting, lower energy bills, and most importantly—peace of mind knowing your home is safer.

They may be small, but the risks are very real—and upgrading to LEDs is one of the easiest, smartest improvements you can make to your home.

Get in touch with ACE Sydney Electricians today, and let’s light your home the safe way.

Click HERE for more information about the dangers of halogen lights and why you should upgrade to LED’s! Or if you’d prefer, watch our short Youtube video explaining the dangers.

Or call us today on 1300 796 500 if you’re in Sydney!

Best LED Down Lights

Posted on: July 10th, 2017 by Ace No Comments

Best LED Down Lights

LED Downlights – Lighting the Way Forward

LED downlights continue to shine brightly into the future. They save energy, deliver the same quality of light for a fraction of the cost, and offer countless benefits that make them the clear winner over other lighting options. With so many brands and styles on the market, the real challenge lies in choosing the right one for your home.

We’ve simplified the process by breaking down the key characteristics you should consider:

Watts

Watts measure how much energy a light uses every second. A one-watt bulb converts one joule of electrical energy per second into light — along with some heat and sound. Generally, a higher wattage means the bulb consumes more energy per second and can operate more powerfully.

However, wattage doesn’t determine brightness — lumens do. A 10-watt LED from one brand may shine differently than another, because brightness depends on factors like the LED chip quality, colour, and materials used.

Lumens

Lumens measure the total amount of visible light a bulb emits. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Lux, on the other hand, measures how concentrated those lumens are in a specific area. To get the most from your LED lights, balance lumens with wattage and consider the size of the area you want to illuminate.

Beam Angle

Beam angle determines how widely light spreads. Most LED downlights have a beam angle of around 120°, but the narrower the beam, the more focused and intense the light becomes.

Before selecting a beam angle, confirm you’re using the right wattage for the required lumens. For ceilings, height plays a key role:

2.5–3.5m high – use a 60° beam angle.
3.5–4.5m high – use a 38–40° beam angle.
Above 5m high – use a 24–30° beam angle.

For larger spaces that need more light, opt for 60° or 90° and increase wattage if needed. To highlight a specific object, match the beam angle to its size and distance from the light. A narrow beam works best for distant objects, while a wider 60° beam suits closer ones.

By focusing on watts, lumens, and beam angle, you can choose LED downlights that deliver the perfect balance of brightness, efficiency, and style for your home.

Replacing LED Down Lights Sydney

Posted on: February 22nd, 2017 by Ace No Comments

Replacing LED Down Lights Sydney

Before you call in the professionals to help, follow our simple guide to trouble shoot your lighting issues. Let ACE guide you on how to go about removing and replacing LED down lights Sydney.

Down Light With Spring Clips:

- The spring should be taken out and the globe should have dropped down.
- For 12 V downlights, hold the lamp holder in one hand and use the other hand to pull out the globe.
- For 240V downlight, some more effort will be needed to remove the globe as you will need to hold the lamp holder and then turn the globe anti-clockwise until it comes out.
- To change the globe, you will need to add the globe and/or screw the globe into the holder clockwise until it is secure and then re-add the springs.

Down Light With Twist Front Face Plate:

- - You will need to turn the faceplate by using two fingers against the lugs on the faceplate.
  - Not only will the faceplate drop out but so will the globe hanging from the lampholder.
  - You will then need to twist the globe out of the metal clip to then replace the globe.
  - If the face plate comes off, gently remove the faceplate using your fingernails or tools that will remove the faceplate safely. If it drops down, then turn the globe until it comes out. If it is attached with a metal clip, twist the globe out of the clip and then replace the globe by either screwing in the globe or re-attaching it to the metal clip.

It is important that you turn off all of the power supply before replacing the lights to prevent shock and other complications from arising.

Ensure that you replace the lights in a clean environment that aren’t dusty or smokey and is not humid.

Do not replace the lamps in areas where there is a high concentration of salt air.

Ensure that all lamps on one transformer share the same brand. If this is not the case, please contact a licensed electrician immediately.

Learn more about downlights here.

If you do need more help with your downlights, learn why ACE are your best choice of electrician.

Installing LED Down Lights in Sydney

Posted on: February 22nd, 2017 by Ace No Comments

Installing LED Down Lights in Sydney

Installing LED Down Lights in Sydney can be a bit difficult and lead to serious problems if not installed properly. Fortunately, ACE are here to provide advice to simplify the process:

Determine the purpose of the lighting

Firstly, decide the main purpose of your space. This can help determine the purpose of lighting you require. Do you need bright lights to work and help you focus, or do you need soft lighting in order to feel cosy while you sit back and watch a movie. Do you want to highlight particular piece of furniture or features of the room – this will determine the type and source of light.

Determine the type of light you require

Consider whether you need to control the mood, increase functionality or control the level of brightness. Determine if having a dimmable light is important and whether you want warm, cool or daytime lighting. All of these factors will decide the type of light fitting to be installed.

Determine the location of the lighting

Where a light source is placed in a room can have a huge affect. Decide if your light needs to be in the centre of the room, or offset to one side to divide a room or highlight features.

Be creative

Remember, there is a whole LED world out there. They come in different shapes, sizes and colours. LED strips are a very up and coming trend.

Finally, the last step to take is to install the switches. Of course, this can only be completed by a licensed electrician.

Watch our video to help you decide on the type of lights to install in your home.

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