Screwfix
- A huge range including outdoor, internal and low energy lamps. floodlights, bulbs, halogen, torches, batteries and more. Next day delivery, trade prices, 100% in stock.

Lighting and Light Fittings - Choice and Installation

The most common type of light fitting is the normal 240V lamp, which has a connection directly onto the mains. Nowadays, there are two additional forms of lamp called halogen lighting, which differ from this standard. The first type of halogen fitting, commonly used in living rooms and kitchens, is 240V but uses a special halogen bulb, which provides a very bright white light. The second type of halogen fitting is 12V or low voltage halogen lighting. This type of lighting, although fed from 240V, has a small transformer unit between the light switch and the light fitting itself. Often these transformers can be used to supply, two, three or even five light fittings (but obviously always follow the instructions that are on the fitting itself). The low voltage halogen bulbs are designed specially for use in bathrooms, ensuites, toilets with sinks - in fact, anywhere where the fittings may be within a certain distance of water.

Please be careful if fitting new lights where there are not currently light fittings - you must be aware of the need to meet building regulation requirements which stipulate regulations regarding the distance that fittings need to be from water, what voltage they should be and whether the fittings / switches need to be sealed units.

In addition, please be aware that the building regulations have now changed. Electrical work at home concerning the placement of new fittings requires the use of a qualified electrician.

Choosing Lighting

The choice you will ultimately make is personal. However, you should think about:

• How many bulbs you actually want on each fitting eg. a single pendant, or up to seven bulbs in a chandelier type fitting.
• Lots of lights these days are made abroad and have different types of light bulb fitting. The UK standard light bulb has a bayonet cap fitting (BC) - a standard light bulb fitting where you push the bulb into the fitting and turn it through 90º to lock it into place. Variations include the small bayonet cap fitting and screw in light bulb fittings which also come in two or more sizes and other special types. All of these are 240V.
• Halogen bulbs are different again - there are two main types, and each comes in either 12V or 240V - always make sure when replacing bulbs that you get like for like.
• Unless you choose your fittings carefully around the house, you can end up with around 10 different types - which can make bulb replacement somewhat inconvenient.

Purchasing Lighting

The most cost effective way of buying is to buy online. Often people like to see things before buying them - one of the best ways of doing this is to visit a major showroom and get an idea of what you would like, maybe even taking photos, then look on ShoppingTrolley and make your purchase online at a reduced price.