Why Double Insulated Lights Are a Must-Have for Older Homes

If your home was built after 1998, you may never have heard of double insulated lights. But for those of you in older homes, double insulated ceiling lights, wall lights, and lamps may be an everyday reality. But what are double insulated lights? And where would you use them?

What Do You Need to Know About Double Insulated Lighting?

What are double insulated lights?

Since the introduction of new regulatory standards in 1998, all new-build houses have been constructed with earthed lighting circuits. This is to provide protection against electric shocks. But in older houses that have not had their circuitry updated, this isn’t the case. To help protect homeowners against the risk of shock, double insulated lights contain two layers of insulation to help isolate the unearthed wiring. It doesn’t provide exactly the same level of protection as an earthed property, but double insulated lights are the next best thing. And they’re a lot cheaper than rewiring your home.

Where would you use double insulated lights?

Because older lighting circuits were created with only live and neutral wiring, double insulated lights should be used in every room of the home. Even for plug-in lamps. The good news is that there are plenty of designs to choose from.

While the Claudia three bar pendant might look good over your breakfast bar, the Cygnus cluster pendant would make a real statement over your dining table. The Dover light provides the perfect understated solution for the bathroom, while the Epstein collection could perfectly coordinate your living room.

For the bedroom, you might want a reading light, like the Effie lamp, or a ceiling light like the Courtney. While external areas, such as porches are covered, with lights like the Ugo.

The point is, there is such a comprehensive range of double insulated lights available, you are guaranteed to find a style to suit your tastes.

How do you know if a light is double insulated?

For your ease, at Lighting R Us, we’ve created a dedicated double insulated lighting category. But if you’re browsing through a shop, you need to check the packaging. Double insulated lights will be marked with a black square within a square symbol. They may also have the words ‘Class 2’ written on the packaging.

Do you have to use double insulated lights?

All electricians installing new light fittings in homes without contemporary wiring are legally obliged to only install double insulated lights. And the question is, why wouldn’t you want them to? Double insulated lights are there for your safety. In unearthed homes, lights hold the potential to deliver dangerous shocks. Double insulated lights remove that risk.

Double insulated lights provide a safe and practical lighting solution for older homes. But they can be attractive too. Like any other lighting type, they come in a range of styles and forms. Enabling you to use your lighting to create the aesthetic that appeals to you. So, if you have an older home, double insulated lights are a must-have solution.

Are you looking to upgrade the lighting in your period property? View the Lighting R Us Double insulated lighting collection.