FAQS

A driver/transformer is a device that regulates key electrical characteristics to ensure the mains input power is suitable for the electrical components needed in the light source. In LED luminaires, the driver typically converts the mains voltage (110V or 240V depending on your region) to a much lower voltage, typically only around 1.5V-3.5V per LED. The driver/transformer also provides protection against current and voltage fluctuations, which helps prevent damaging amounts of power reaching the sensitive LED chips.

‘IP’ stands for ‘Ingress Protection’ and is used to rate and classify the degree of protection to a light’s electrical connections against ingress of contact with particles, dust, and water. Some locations, such as bathrooms and exteriors, require a light to meet a minimum IP rating to ensure they are safe to operate. The first digit refers to the product’s ingress rating against solid particles. The second digit refers to the product’s ingress rating against liquids.

The Sopra downlight is not a fire-rated product. However, a fire-rated downlight cover can be purchased if your installation requires it. This must be used when the Sopra is installed in a fire-rated structure, such as a plasterboard ceiling acting as a fire barrier. Your installer must ensure compliance with building regulations.

In the UK and Europe, the mains voltage in domestic properties is 230V. All Original BTC Lights operate at this voltage unless specified to be ‘low voltage.’ A low voltage light operates at 12V meaning that a transformer or driver is required to reduce the supply voltage from the usual 230V down to the required 12V (see drivers and transformers).

A retrofit light bulb refers to an LED or CFL light source designed to be compatible with a traditional lampholder. Most of our lights are compatible with retrofit bulbs.

Yes, the supplied cable (1.5m as standard) can be adjusted to suit your desired drop height during installation. We recommend using an electrician for this process.

The ideal height for installing your pendant depends on several factors.

Ceiling height
The height of your ceiling will have the biggest impact on the height you can install your pendants. It will also help determine the size of pendant you can use, and the light effects you will be able to create. Specification sheets are available for each product, which will help you determine what is possible in the space you have; these can be viewed on each product page.

Location
When installing an Original BTC or Davey Pendant as a central light fitting – in a lounge or hallway for example – it is important that you consider your height (and that of your guests). We would recommend the bottom of the pendant to be at least 195cm above the floor. This will allow taller people (max 6ft 4) to comfortably walk underneath. If you or your guests are likely to be taller, then we advise increasing the height to avoid possible collisions!

When installing an Original BTC or Davey Pendant above a dining table, we recommend that the bottom of the pendant is at least 10-15cm above a person’s head when seated, meaning the light will not block eye-lines.

Desired light effect
The higher the pendant is installed, the greater the spread of light will be. This is particularly useful when used as a central light source to provide general illumination. The lower the pendant is installed, the more focused the illumination will be on the surface below. This is particularly useful over a kitchen island for carrying out kitchen tasks, or for more intimate lighting over a dining table.

Consider shallower pendants for low ceilings, such as the 700 Pendant from Original BTC, the School, 7165, 7170, and 7636/PE Pendants from Davey Lighting, or the Sopra range as a space-saving alternative.

This depends on the dimensions of the island and the size of the fitting itself, although we generally find that an odd number works well, particularly a set of three. Allow enough space in between each light to prevent them from becoming crowded. We would suggest a minimum of 50cm spacing (from the outer edge of each reflector/shade) between each pendant.

If you would like to mount a product to a conduit or conduit box, the light would normally need to be adapted on site by the installer. Except for the 7527 and 7530 Bulkhead Lights, which have threaded conduit entries into the casting, none of our lights are designed to mount directly onto a conduit box. 
If your project has specific requirements relating to the installation, there might be a custom solution we could assist with if it meets the minimum order requirements. Please get in contact to discuss your project further.

This is possible but requires product modification and may be subject to a minimum order requirement. Contact us to discuss your project further.

Transformers are used to connect low voltage halogen fittings (12V) to the standard mains voltage circuit (230V) found in homes throughout the UK and Europe. They are required for some low voltage Original BTC halogen products as stated below. Drivers work similarly and are specifically used to power LED products. 

Require Transformers (not supplied) 
Most Mast Lights (0751, 0752 and 0755)
Spotlights (0761 and 0755)
Yacht Ventilator (2464)
Motorboat Ventilator (2467/G4)
Step or Path Lights (7567, 7568, 7576 and 7600)

Require Transformers (supplied with product)
Mast Light with Cast Transformer Box (0750)

Require Drivers (not supplied)
LED Step Lights (7567 and 7568) 
Beadlight Products

Require Drivers (supplied for remote installation) 
Pillar LED Wall Light (7212, 7213 and 7216)
Pillar Pendant (7213)
Cabin LED Wall Lights (DP7218)

Low voltage (12V) fittings require connection to a transformer in order to be installed on a mains voltage (230V) circuit. It is possible to connect multiple fittings to one transformer, provided the transformer has enough capacity for the total load of the fittings being connected to it. For example, you could connect 2 x 20W halogen fittings to one 50W halogen transformer (the wattage of the transformer must equal or exceed the total wattage of the lamps being connected to it).

Yes, many Davey Lights are suitable for exterior use, provided they have an IP rating of IP43 or higher and ‘Outdoor’ listed under ‘Suitability’ in the specifications.

We recommend pendants with a minimum IP43 rating for outdoor covered areas where they won’t be exposed to direct water jets or heavy seas. Davey Lighting offers several pendants with an IP43 rating or higher.

Original BTC brass and copper products (such as the Stanley Pendants) should not patinate or weather as they are coated with a clear lacquer that will protect the finish from discolouring in normal conditions. Davey Lights produced from brass and copper will weather and patinate over time according to the conditions in the surrounding environment.

When installed outdoors, copper and brass are likely to weather and develop darker patinas, which can range from darker shades of brass/copper to a very dark brown tone and eventually green. When installed indoors, a darker patina or ‘tarnish’ might develop on the surface. This can be removed by using a suitable metal polish if desired.

Many external Davey Lights are produced from brass, bronze, or copper, which makes them particularly suited to coastal conditions as they have a high corrosion resistance and do not rust or corrode under saline conditions. They are commonly used on boats and in marine environments due to these qualities.

It is important to consider that the finish itself may ‘weather’ and build up different patinas over time depending on the surrounding conditions.

Galvanized iron fittings are dipped and coated in a layer of zinc that creates a physical barrier between the iron and the air. This provides a good degree of corrosion resistance in normal external conditions but is not suitable for marine or coastal locations. This is because constant exposure to corrosive salty air will eventually corrode the galvanized layer and expose the raw iron underneath, causing it to rust.

Natural (untreated) aluminum is not recommended in marine locations as the air is highly corrosive and will eventually break down their protective layer, causing the aluminum to corrode.

Anodized finishes (such as the anodized version of the Mast Light) are more suited to corrosive environments as they further enhance aluminum’s corrosion resistance as well as provide a more durable finish.

This depends on what bathroom ‘zone’ you plan to install your light in. Bathrooms are divided into zones that determine what, if any, ‘ingress protection’ level (IP rating) is required for that environment. *Refer to the diagram below for guidance on the zoned areas.

In Zone 1 and 2, light fittings should have a minimum level of IPX4 (splash proof). If they are likely to be cleaned using water jets (including direct contact from a shower or hose) they should have a minimum level of IPX5.

When it comes to sink basins, the area that is inside a 60cm radius from the water outlet (e.g., taps) is considered Zone 2. If you wish to install a light fitting outside the 60cm radius and the proposed location is 1.2m or more from a bath/shower, then the area is classed as ‘unzoned’ and therefore does not require a greater IP rating than IP20.

All Original BTC lights are IP20 rated, which means they are not suitable for installation inside Zone 2 (or Zones 1 & 0) but may be installed in an ‘unzoned’ area of a bathroom. However, as bathrooms tend to be areas of high humidity, you may wish to use lighting that has an IP rating, even if the zone does not require it. Note that most table and floor lights are not permitted in any area of a bathroom. Wall lights with in-line cord switches or switches on the base are not permitted in any area of a bathroom.

Davey produces a large range of IP44-rated (or higher) products, which are suitable for Zone 1 or Zone 2 bathroom use, as well as external use.

*Any light fitting intended for bathroom use must be installed by a qualified electrician and connected to a 30mA RCD final circuit. If in any doubt, we recommend consulting them over the suitability of a light fitting for bathroom installation prior to ordering.

Some products are supplied with light bulbs, including the Oxford Double Table Light (FT620/BR), the Oxford Floor Light (FF630/BR), and the Bankers Desk Light (FT700/BR). For other Original BTC products, bulbs are not included. However, certain Davey Lighting products do come with bulbs, such as the Pillar Lights (7210 and 7211), the Adjustable Low Voltage Spotlights (0755, 0758, 0761, and 0762), the LED version of the Mast Light (0749), and the CFL version of the 7530 Bulkhead (7530/26W/G24).

If your light is not supplied with a light bulb, you can find the recommended bulb for your product in its user instruction manual or on the product’s web page. N.B. All products have a specified max wattage which relates to incandescent bulbs.

Alternatively, the following information should help you choose the most suitable bulb for you and your light. Below is an explanation of the main types of light bulbs available. We recommend using LED lamps in all our products, as they produce as much light as traditional bulbs but use a fraction of the power and last substantially longer.

Lumens are a measure of the total amount of visible light to the human eye from a lamp or light source. The higher the Lumen value, the brighter the light output. The table below highlights the Lumen output of various bulb types at specific wattages.

*Please note wattage figures and typical lifespans may vary between light bulb suppliers.

Incandescent and halogen bulbs are dimmable and will work with most domestic dimmer systems or switches, while CFL and LED bulbs may also be dimmable depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to check compatibility with your chosen dimmer system or switch. Integral LED bulbs will be dimmable on a trailing module if the product is hard-wired, but portable products with integral bulbs will not be dimmable.

Kelvins are the unit used to describe the colour temperature of the light emitted from the bulb. The table below highlights the range of colour temperatures different bulbs produce. Incandescent and halogen bulbs only give out one specific colour of light whilst CFL’s and LED’s provide a range; this means you can choose a suitable Kelvin rating based on the application of your product. ‘Blue’ light is typically used for display lighting, ‘white’ light is typically used for task lighting and a warmer ‘yellow’ light offers a warm and ambient light.  We recommend using LED bulbs in all our products.  

Yes, provided the bulb has a compatible base (e.g., E27) and is the correct size and shape.

We advise against using ‘eco-halogen’ bulbs, as they produce a lot of heat that can cause damage to the lampholder over time. We recommend using LED bulbs. These are available in a range of decorative styles, some of which resemble traditional incandescent bulbs, meaning they are suitable for products where the light bulb is exposed – such as our Box Lights.

Hard-wired fittings, such as wall and ceiling lights using E14, E27, SBC, B22, G4, GX5.3, G9, and GU10 lampholders in the Original BTC and Davey ranges, will be dimmable if a dimmable bulb is used and a compatible dimmer module is installed.

Portable fittings, including table and floor lights, as well as PSC and clip lights wired with plugs, are supplied with standard on/off switches and are classed as non-dimmable. For project enquiries, it may be possible to wire portable products with 5A plugs to allow them to be plugged into a dimmable 5A circuit; this would be a bespoke order, so please enquire.

Some products use non-dimmable light sources/control gears and will therefore not be dimmable; this includes products with G24, T5, or GX53 bulbs.

Non-Dimmable Lights
The below is a list of lights that are not dimmable regardless of the above information.
-    Wide Pillar Light IP44 (DP7210/IP44)
-    Narrow Pillar Light IP44 (DP7211/IP44)
-    Rectangular Bulkhead Fitting (DP7530)
-    Miniature Exterior Bulkhead (GX53) (DP8034, DP8035, DP8037 and DP8038)
-    Oval Aluminium Bulkhead (G24) (DP8120, DP8122 and DP8125)
-    G24 Bulkhead (DP8134 and DP8138)
-    Banker’s Desk Light (FT700/BR)
-    Pillar Table & Floor Light (DP7214 & DP7214)

Our mains voltage products may be installed on a DALI system, provided they are connected to a suitable interface product or converter. This should be sourced from the DALI system supplier. Low voltage LED products will require a specific DALI dimmable driver to be connected.

Yes, provided a dimmable bulb is used. All hard-wired wall and ceiling lights using E14, E27, SBC, B22, G4, GX5.3, G9, and GU10 lampholders in the Original BTC and Davey ranges will be dimmable if a compatible dimmer module is used.

Yes, if you have a hard-wired wall light using an E14 or E27 lampholder, it will be dimmable when a compatible dimmer module is used. If you have a PSC or clip version of the light, these will be non-dimmable.

There are two differing versions of the Pillar Lights available - the LED versions are dimmable, and we recommend using trailing edge modules whereas the IP44 versions (T5 Fluorescent) are not dimmable.

This could be for several reasons. To avoid this, check your LED bulbs are dimmable and read the dimming modules compatibility charts; this will ensure your chosen module is compatible with your bulb. Be sure to buy a well-tested product, as cheap modules will be unreliable. *We always recommend consulting an electrician for advice on the installation.

This is typically due to incompatibility between the driver and the dimming module. Most LED bulbs perform best on trailing edge dimming modules. It is important to check with the dimmer manufacturer that your light will be compatible first.

It is likely that you are using the wrong type of dimmer module and should try a trailing edge type. If this does not solve the issue, you may be overloading the module’s capacity; check if this is the case by removing a few bulbs and see if the buzzing reduces. If it does, replace the bulbs with lower wattage ones or swap your dimmer module for one with a higher wattage allowance.

Yes, but significantly less than incandescent or halogen bulbs, making them safer and more efficient.

Yes, the 7530 Bulkhead is available in non-maintained and maintained emergency supply options. Our standard bulkhead fittings with G24 lampholders are suitable for emergency conversion on site using a remote emergency pack (available from emergency lighting suppliers/electrical wholesalers). For queries regarding bespoke solutions for emergency lights, we would not look at developing a solution for less than 20 emergency fittings.

In many cases, it is possible for our products to be converted into emergency lights by using a third-party ‘emergency lighting company’ to carry out the conversion, or the client using an electrical contractor to source a suitable emergency battery pack for the fitting. The lower the wattage of the light bulb they use, the easier it will be to source something suitable.

Yes, these sensors are available from DIY/Electrical stores and may be connected to any external light fitting.

Yes, bulkheads with G24 lampholders can be converted into emergency lights using third-party emergency packs or bespoke solutions for larger projects.

The E27 lampholder option offers the choice of fitting a variety of bulb types with an E27 cap - such as a dimmable LED bulb. This gives you greater flexibility compared to the G24 option, which will only accept a 2-pin PL type CFL bulb, rated at the wattage of the product. The benefit of the G24 lampholder is that they are better suited to converting into emergency lighting fittings, should this be a requirement of your project.