Need Ideas re Kitchen Lighting Pls

[bushies.girl]

It's time for the outdated kitchen fluo to come down but I have no idea what type of lighting works best in a kitchen .... Any suggestions pls?

[lloydslights]

From personal experience, I found that replacement of a fluoro light absolutely darkened the kitchen considerably.  Previously the light had bounced around sufficiently to light most areas of the kitchen - even the shelves of cupboards when opened.

We had to then put in task lighting under the top cupboards and over the sink.  I know you haven't top cupboards.

I found that centrally located directional lighting had its problems too.  Directed at the sink is fine until the washer-upperer is actually washing.  He has to stand to one side to allow the light to shine on the job.

To your kitchen, Bushie.

I am assuming the exhaust has a light.  The microwave has its own as has the fridge; so no additional lighting is really needed there.

I would consider installing track lighting more over the sink/preparation area than centrally.  

Be aware of  not "pointing" a light towards the entry from the dining area - you will be blinded.

Another little thing that I would consider is painting those ceiling beams and trim white or a "whitewash" type of finish. (They appear to bring the ceiling lower and don't reflect any lighting)  

It's coming together, Bushie.  

DEB

[tcmsecretuseid]

I love the exposed beams in your kitchen. The track lights will look great in your kitchen, and it will be nice to be able to point them in the areas that need the most light. 

[freddie*rooster]

We have 4 recessed lights in the unit we are living in and currently buying, our recent building inspection revealed the pink batts were too close to the lights in the ceiling and need to be pulled back away from the lights.

[polksaladallie]

Wasn't there a warning about two years ago about some recessed lights being dangerous?

Fire safety and electrical safety regulators across Australia have raised concern about an increase in building fires caused by heat from recessed lighting setting fire to building material and other materials.

The type of luminaire (light fitting) of particular concern is the incandescent halogen recessed ‘downlight’ which operates at very high temperature.

If thermal insulation is installed too closely around these lights, or they are installed too close to combustible material, ignition can result. Combustible material can include things like leaf litter which blows into roof spaces.

Transformers which supply the lighting can also suffer excessive temperature rise if improperly covered by thermal insulation.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/973344

[lloydslights]

Have the current owners get it done NOW, Freddie

With  a little bit of luck a lithe, supple, six-pack toting handyman might attend and avoid an unwanted fire.

DEB

[freddie*rooster]

Polks yes the building inspector bought our attention to it. Mr Freddie has taken the globes out of them until we have someone have a look at them.  We have been here 4 yrs and they are something I seldom used.

[freddie*rooster]

hahaha Deb you foxy lady

[polksaladallie]

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@lloydslights wrote:

Have the current owners get it done NOW, Freddie

With  a little bit of luck a lithe, supple, six-pack toting handyman might attend and avoid an unwanted fire.

DEB

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What about this one?

[1966kelso]

Can you send him over to my place please Polksa.

I know I've left a gap around the lights, but I'm not sure if I left the transformers uncovered. The only way in to my ceiling is to take the iron off the roof and go in through the top. Actually I might need two of those sixpack toting handymen. One to take off the roof, and one to check the lights. Hmm, and maybe one more to hold the ladder 

I have the recessed down lights in my kitchen. They are good in that they don't attract cobwebs, but like Lloyds said, they aren't overly bright and I have undercupboard lighting to compensate.

The ones on the rail look great.

[lloydslights]

I feel an unwanted fire coming on.

Isn't he too hot in those overalls?

DEB