I was told that downlights can classified as

1) With ballast

2) Without ballast

I am currently considering the pros and cons here...

With Ballast

========

1) Current going to bulb is controlled, so bulb last longer

2) Cost more with the ballast

3) If the ballast is damaged, it is difficult to replace the ballast since ballast is inside the false ceiling.

4) Bulb of this kind (push in and snap into position type) is cheaper.

5) Brightness is controlled and constant.

Without Ballast

==========

1) An avalanche of current flows into bulb when bulb is turned on, so bulb tends to spoil more easily

2) Cost less since there is no ballast

3) Easy maintenance cos the only thing that needs replacing is the bulb

4) Bulb of this kind (screw into position type) is more expensive

5) Bulb gets brighter only after leaving the bulb switched on

Any advice? Did anyone had any bad experience using either the one with ballast and the one without?

I'm using downlight with ballast.

So far no problem.

I think quite easy to change ballast, just need to release the clip and u can bring it down.

ballast also not easy spoil, can last few years.

the bulb (pl-c) is cost abt $6, 1 set only abt $30 (double).

I find it not worth it if without ballast cost more on bulb and spoil easily.

I'm using downlight with ballast.

So far no problem.

I think quite easy to change ballast, just need to release the clip and u can bring it down.

ballast also not easy spoil, can last few years.

the bulb (pl-c) is cost abt $6, 1 set only abt $30 (double).

I find it not worth it if without ballast cost more on bulb and spoil easily.

I was thinking of getting the downlight with ballast as well. The salesgirl just keep telling us to buy the downlight without ballast... I wonder why.

thanks for your great summary. I think getting balast is also better. Imagine changing bulb frequently is no joke.

I would suggest u consult other electrical shops, then u'll hear different story, then judge yourself.

I visited a friend's place to have a look at their downlights.

The false ceiling around where the downlight is installed can get slightly damaged after the downlight is installed. The damaged area around the downlight have to then be repair using white plaster/cement? In doing so, the edges of the downlight can be covered by the white plaster, which forms part of the false ceiling. Does this mean that I might damage the false ceiling when I remove the downlight to get hold of the ballast hidden inside the false ceiling? I think so. In end, I took the ones without the ballast. I do not want to get into a situation where I need to remove the entire downlight just to get access to the ballast.

I was thinking of getting the downlight with ballast as well. The salesgirl just keep telling us to buy the downlight without ballast... I wonder why.

this is why -

replacing a bulb is a lot less hassle than replacing a ballast. practical for home owners.

downlights with ballast are meant more for hotels/restaurants/biz whereby they have their own maintenance team or millionaires who can afford a in-house electrician. cos not everyone knows how to diy.

a energy saving bulb is around $4-$6 : it's not that expensive, infact not much different from those plugin type.

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a old member of this forum who has tons of experience renovating his houses used to say -

design your house like a house and not like a hotel. unless you can afford your own maintenance team.

Edited May 15, 200818 yr by MaCe