Can I install a recessed spotlight in the ceiling of a shower enclosure?
Which dimmers can be used for dimming recessed spotlights?
Can I use transformers/drivers from other brands?
Can you assemble wires using terminal boards yourself?
Can I connect several light fixtures to the transformer/driver?
Can recessed spotlights be mounted directly in the insulation?
Where should the transformer/driver for recessed spotlights be placed?
When to use spot boxes?
What size of spot box should be used?
Are you allowed to integrate spotlights in a wooden ceiling?
Should there always be space behind/around halogen spotlights?
Does Nordlux have spots which can be mounted directly in the insulation?
Does Nordlux have light fixtures which can be installed in inflammable areas?
Triton - Mounting springs
LED recessed spots - Use of only 2 spots from an LED 3-kit
Can I install a recessed spotlight in the ceiling of a shower enclosure?
It is important to be aware of the rules surrounding lighting in bathrooms. You are allowed to install a 230V recessed spotlight (classes 1, 2 and 3) in a shower, if the ceiling height is at least 225 cm from the floor. If the ceiling height of the shower enclosure is less than 225 cm, it must be a low-voltage recessed spotlight (class 3) with an enclosure class of at least IP44. The transformer must be placed in zone 3, i.e. approx. 120 cm from the shower enclosure in the room, or outside the zone, which might be i.e. in the attic.
Which dimmers can be used for dimming recessed spotlights?
230V and 12V recessed spotlights with halogen bulbs can all be dimmed with both leading edge and trailing edge dimmers. Dimmable recessed LED spotlights can be dimmed using most new dimmers designed for dimming LED light fixtures. However, it is important to ask about the dimmer in the store where you buy your dimmer – as there may be restrictions on the dimmer as regards how many spotlights must at least be connected to the dimmer in order to obtain the correct load required for optimum dimming. Moreover, there are differences as to by how many percent the various dimmers can dim the LED spots.
Dimmable LED spotlights can also be dimmed by some older dimmer types, but the functionality of these must be tested individually against the desired solution – however, it can be generally said that, primarily, the older rotary/sliding trailing edge dimmers from Lauritz Knudsen work.
Nordlux does not sell dimmers for wall mounting.
Can I use transformers/drivers from other brands?
It is important to always use the type of transformer/driver supplied with the recessed spotlights, as this is specifically designed for the recessed spotlights. If you choose another driver, it can affect service life or, in extreme cases, ruin the light source and create a defect. In some spotlights, the driver is integrated into the spotlight itself, making it impossible to change just the driver, requiring the entire recessed spotlight to be replaced in case of a defect.
In case of a defective driver, therefore, please contact the seller.
Can you assemble wires using terminal boards yourself?
Only qualified electricians are allowed to perform this task.
Can I connect several light fixtures to the transformer/driver?
If more light fixtures are connected, the total wattage cannot exceed the transformer's maximum wattage. However, it will require that you have a qualified electrician do the work, as you will then change the pre-assembled set(s) and thus void the Nordlux warranty.
Can recessed spotlights be mounted directly in the insulation?
Some recessed spotlights can be mounted directly into the insulation, but you can not assume that all can. Among other things, this has to do with the maximum wattage and the design of the fixture – and for recessed spotlights in particular, it is very important to adhere to the manufacturer's instructions, as it may otherwise result in excessive heat development around the spotlight with fire as a possible outcome.
To make it as easy as possible for customers, recessed spotlights which CAN be integrated into the insulation are marked with the following symbol and text:
The fixtures which CANNOT be directly integrated into the insulation will be marked with this symbol and text:
At present, Nordlux has the following recessed spotlights which can be mounted directly in the insulation (Note that not all of these come with a light source, and that it is extremely important that, for these fixtures, you comply with the specified maximum wattage):
- Mixit
- Mixit Pro
- Mixit Prime
- Birla
- Freja
- Gefion
- Kuiper
- Palma
- Roar
- Rogue
Where should the transformer/driver for recessed spotlights be placed?
All transformers must be placed as follows:
- Reachable for the electrician
- Min. 5 cm gap surrounding them, if there is insulation in the ceiling
- In the zone described on the packaging
When to use spot boxes?
Spot boxes must be used in new construction and for extensions where it is required that the vapour barrier’s seal is maintained. When spot boxes are installed, the vapour barrier’s seal is maintained, which protects against dust and shock. It is very important that the chosen spot box has the internal dimensions stated as a requirement for open air around the fixture on the packaging/in the instructions. If you mount a smaller box, you risk that the light fixture and connecting cables get too hot – sometimes so hot, they may cause a fire. A vapour barrier is intended to prevent damp indoor air from meeting cold outdoor air, resulting in condensation and potentially causing moisture damage to the building.
A vapour barrier is usually a thin plastic film which is placed on the warm side of the insulation, towards the living area.
In modern ceiling constructions in new constructions, the vapour barrier is usually slightly recessed in the ceiling, so that it is not perforated when inserting hooks for hanging and the like in the ceiling. If using 2"x2" beams laths and 2 layers of plaster beneath the vapour barrier in the ceiling, Mixit Pro, for example, can be installed without the use of spot boxes due to a low installation height and permission to integrate into the insulation.
Since Nordlux' range of recessed spotlights constantly changes, the customer should look for installation height and the following pictogram and text when searching for a spotlight which can be mounted directly in the insulation and beneath the vapour barrier without spot boxes.
What size of spot box should be used?
One should choose a spot box with the internal dimensions prescribed by Nordlux in the installation instructions/on the packaging. If a spot box with smaller internal dimensions than indicated by Nordlux is mounted, you risk that the spotlight, its installation cables and its surroundings overheat, which can cause malfunctions and, possibly, fire!
Are you allowed to integrate spotlights in a wooden ceiling?
Yes, but here it is important that the installation instructions are followed as regards free installation height and width. In case of too little space above and around the spotlight, the wires and the spotlight will become deformed and brown or even black due to the heat, at worst causing a fire! If you enclose the spotlight in less free space than indicated in the installation instructions, Nordlux’ warranty is voided. In any case, you should consult an electrician in such cases, as only authorised electricians may install recessed spotlights.
Should there always be space behind/around halogen spotlights?
Yes, this goes for the spotlights where installation dimensions are specified. This can be seen in the installation manual or on the packaging.
Does Nordlux have spots which can be mounted directly in the insulation?
Yes, Nordlux has spots that must be placed directly in insulation. This is indicated on the product packaging or found on the website in the specifications for the applicable products.
Does Nordlux have light fixtures which can be installed in inflammable areas?
Nordlux does not have fixtures which may be installed in Atex areas (areas with explosion hazards), as very special requirements apply in terms of security as regards seal and heat insulation.
Triton - Mounting springs
This video shows how the loose springs that come with Triton spots are mounted on the spot head.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z4n1AhUHtg
LED recessed spots - Use of only 2 spots from an LED 3-kit
This video shows how to make a "fix" so that only 2 spots of a 3-kit LED recessed spot can be mounted. It also explains why no less than two spots must be mounted on a 3-kit driver.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so9GtOamDvU