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Costed: Balancing the lighting books

Words:
Nicola Sharkey

Lighting is a critical factor in design, aesthetically and practically. Nicola Sharkey, UK insights and research lead at Gleeds, advises on costs to help specifiers balance impact and expenditure

Lighting plays a crucial role in design, with a wide range of options available. Choices are often influenced by factors such as function, aesthetics, cost and room requirements. It not only contributes to the atmosphere of a space but also significantly affects wellbeing.

Different lighting techniques — ambient, task and accent lighting — serve specific purposes, such as highlighting architectural features or facilitating focused activities. 

LED lighting and smart systems provide greater control and energy efficiency, allowing for customisable lighting while also reducing energy costs. 

Prices allow for straightforward electrical installations (per point), including the cost for cable, conduit and conduit fittings (main switchboards, distribution boards and main and sub-main cables are not included). Note that prices can vary significantly depending on the exact specification. 

The following rates are based on the UK average and represent typical prices at Q3 2024

Domestic internal lighting
 
Pendant, one-way switch 
Including single/three  LED lamps 160–190/240–270
Creative, fused and folded glass, suspended by wire, two LED lamps 480–530
 
Contemporary chandelier one-way switch 
Including three/eight LED lamps 400–450/800–900
 
Traditional chandelier one-way switch 
Including eight  candle lamps 600–700
 
Flush ceiling one-way switch 
Single spotlight, one LED lamp 225–325
Recessed, two LED lamps 350–450
Set of three spotlights, one LED lamp each, one transformer 450–550
Downlighter, one LED lamp 160–190
Eyeball downlighter, one LED light 175–225
 
Track 
Low-voltage track kit, three pendants, LED bulbs, transformer 300–400
Low-voltage cable kits, five pendants, transformer 400–500
High-voltage track kits, three pendants 375–475
Add for low-voltage cable pendant 30–40
Low-voltage/high-voltage track pendant 30–40/40–50
 
Wall mounted one-way switch 
240v picture light 190–240
240v spotlight 160–210
240v creative/designer, fused and  draped glass 350–450
Add for two-way/three-way switching 80–110/160–190
 
Emergency lighting luminaires 
150mm 3-hour non-maintained emergency bulkhead luminaire 240–270
300mm 3-hour non-maintained emergency bulkhead luminaire 320–370
 
Commercial internal lighting 
Industrial lighting fittings; high bay type complete with reflector and lamp and gear 270–320
 
Domestic external lighting 
Weatherproof bulkhead luminaire IP65 320–370
Garden lighting, spotlight on stake, IP65 275–325
Garden lighting, stainless steel bollard, IP65 550–625
Floodlight, PIR unit, IP65 375–425
 
Commercial external lighting 
Black aluminium floodlight with toughened glass diffuser, integral gear, timed ignitor and lamp 450–500
Wall washer floodlight, IP65 250–300
 

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