I recently bought a property that has downlights in every corner of the house. The downlights are the basic reflector type downlights with no cover.

Previously, 18w/20w CFL bulbs were used in the downlights. However, I want to change these as the bulbs are old (many are no longer working), and I want to use a different colour temperature as well. Plus I can get energy efficient LEDs at a decent price.

Now, having got the LEDs, I realize something. They are 115mm in height. The older CFLs were 150mm in height. The downlight depth appears to be around 150mm as well (matching the height of the CFLs). This causes shadow effects.

Something like this (but not anywhere near as bad, the shadows are significantly higher): https://i.imgur.com/DP8ywTT.jpg

Is there a way I can adjust the downlight depth to get a more even lighting on the walls? The LED bulbs that are "longer" (eg 140mm) are all too bright (as there are many downlights throughout, it would be overkill).

Appreciate your assistance.

There are bulb socket extenders you can buy if the current fixture uses standard E27 or similar sockets.
Like this... https://shopee.com.my/product/161533674/284...02-1620451738.9

I considered this, but the shortest I can find is 6cm. With LED bulb length of 11.5cm, the total extended length will be 17.5cm, more than the downlight depth of 15cm.

This post has been edited by contestchris: May 8 2021, 01:40 PM

There are many different length available in the market.

https://shopee.com.my/*Ready-Stock*-LED-5W-...0374.3926138115

have you tried these ones?

Why not just replace them with led down lights like Philips meson or something.

Just need to know the existing hole size to buy the size for it.

Just replace with those LED downlights, it fits the existing 6' holes. Just remove the old casing. Definitely no shadow. To me I prefer shadow effect. Very cheap online and light color choice; daylight, warm white and yellow.

Actually how long does the LED downlight last? My downlight spoilt after 3 years usage. Most of it when I changed, found the driver got burnt.

Life span is based on usage hours. Is stated on the packaging.

any recommendation of downlight brand? osram? philip?

I have no preference for brands since I use various brands from expensive to cheap due to my lighting design.

3 years worth the money.. some brand offer 1 to 1 replacement within 2 years.. with SIRIM certified.. not going to talk those unbranded without sirim.. price below 20 only..

thought it can last for 6 years and above compare to light bulb.

Eg ...

A Philip LED can last 15,000 hours average.

Daily 5 hours .... 7pm to 12 midnite

15,000 ÷ 5 = 3,000

3,000 ÷ 365 = 8 years

it really depend on the quality of drivers.. doesnt mean it cannot last that long.. sometime depend on luck as well.. hahaha.. some unbrand LED driver cant even last more than 1 year.. but make sure we know how to replace it in future as sustaining effort..