Look in any glossy, interior design magazine or watch any television programme to do with new homes and you will notice that the majority of kitchens and bathrooms will be lit with recessed down-lighters. Giving an efficient and smart, no-nonsense style, down-lighters provide a good overall light output but at what cost?

The average kitchen will, at a conservative estimate, take a minimum of ten of these light fittings to produce a practicable light and, using standard incandescent fittings, this is a large drain on both power/energy and cost.

The building regulations part L currently state that all new build dwellings, extensions and re-wiring projects must have 30% dedicated low energy lighting - lights and fixtures that are only able to accept low energy lamps. Builders mostly fit the low energy requirements in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms so tend to use down-lighters and flush fittings.


The specialist, dedicated low energy lighting company, tp24, has just added a new choice of lamp to their range of energy saving down-lighters. The spiral lamp lights up instantly and has an efficiency of 47lm/w which exceeds building regulation requirements.

Managing Director, Shaun Davis, said: "The new 10w lamps last up to 8,000 hours; they have been well received by our ever expanding customer base which is predominated by the new build industry."

With a choice of colours and IP ratings customers are able to select the down-lighter that meets their needs in the knowledge that they all comply with the regulations and ultimately save both energy and running costs. As Mr Davis said: "In this time of economic recession and concern for our planet this is a choice worth having."

Considering the number of this type of product used within the new build industry and refurbishment work the change to energy efficient down-lighters is one worth making. By using a dedicated product the builder and homeowners can be sure that those changes are indeed made for the long term future.

Visit: www.tp24.com

(GK)