LEDs are light emitting diodes. These are electronic components that convert electrical energy directly to light through the movement of electrons within the material of the diode. LEDs are important because due to their efficiency and low energy, they are beginning to replace most conventional light sources.

Although the initial cost of conventional light sources is less than LEDs, the operational and maintenance costs of LED are significantly lower. LEDs, having a longer life, reduce maintenance and lamp replacement cost. Because LEDs need to be replaced less frequently, the owner spends less on new lamps and the labour needed to change them. LEDs also consume less energy; thus the overall cost of a LED system can be significantly lower than that of conventional lighting systems.

This is usually due to incompatibility between the driver and the control system. When purchasing an LED product, it is important to use the correct driver type as specified by the manufacturer. It is also important to check that the LED is dimmable. Some retrofits are not.

Unlike discharge lamps, LEDs are semiconductors and their life span is not affected by the number of times they are turned on and off.

It is crucial to consider the height of the ceiling, the brightness and darkness of the ceiling walls, the walls around the room and the floor. Other variables that should be taken into account and figured out well before any final decisions are taken are which recessed downlight you should use, the type and wattage of the lamp and the purpose of the recessed downlight.