The Elite Mini is a recessed wall or step light with an eyelid a small hood overthe aperture that throws the light downward and hides the source from anyone approaching. Itsdatasheet lists the installation type as Wall-Recessed, and that is the decision tosettle first, because unlike a surface-mounted step light this one goes into the wall.

With or without a canister

It can be installed either way. Into masonry or concrete you want the canister, which forms thecavity and protects the fitting while the mortar goes off. Into a stud or cavity wall where there isalready a void behind the lining, the fitting can go in without one. Decide before the wall is built retrofitting a canister into finished masonry means cutting it out.

12V DC, and no earth needed

Both order codes are 12V DC and require a 12V DC LED driver sized for therun. The datasheet warns in capitals against connecting the fitting directly to 240V, and listsProtection Class 3 no earth required, which is what makes a long low-voltage runalong a wall or stair simple to wire.

Where it works

• Recessed into masonry stair walls, eyelid down, so the tread is lit and the source is not visible.
• Path-side retaining walls at ankle height, where a surface fitting would be kicked.
• Entry reveals and pillar faces, flush with the surface.
• Coastal walls IP65 covers direct rain and hose wash-down.

Specifying it

The LED is built in at a maximum of 5W no globe, no socket. Tri-colour switching covers3000K, 4000K and 5500K, giving 350lm, 355lm and 360lm across thethree settings on a tight 36 beam much narrower than a typical step light,which is why it reads as a defined pool on the tread rather than a wash. IP65. Silver aluminium oraluminium poly powder coated black.

What a 36 beam means for spacing

Most step lights sit near 120 and wash everything in front of them; at 36 this one doessomething different. The light lands as a defined scallop, which looks deliberate and controlled butleaves the space between fittings genuinely darker. Two consequences follow. First, mounting heightchanges the size of the pool far more than it would on a wide-beam fitting, so a fitting set high in awall throws a much larger, weaker patch than one set low. Second, centres need to be closer than youwould use for a wide-beam step light if the intention is a continuous guide rather than a series ofmarks. Set one fitting, look at it after dark, and take your centres from the scallop it actually makes.

Sizing the driver

At 5W maximum each, a run of eight draws 40W, so choose a 12V DC driver above thattotal rather than level with it. Position it to suit its own IP rating a cavity, meter box orweatherproof enclosure rather than buried or exposed and remember that because no earth is required atthe fitting, the low-voltage side of the installation stays simple even across a long wall.

Supplied by Lights For You. The 36 beam is narrow enough that spacing matters set the firstfitting and look at the scallop on the tread before committing to centres for the rest of the flight.

Questions

Is this recessed or surface mounted?

Recessed. The datasheet lists the installation type as Wall – Recessed, so it goes into the wall rather than onto it.

Do I need the canister?

Into masonry or concrete, yes it forms and protects the cavity. Into a stud or cavity wall with an existing void, it can be installed without one.

Does it need a driver?

Yes. Both order codes are 12V DC and require a 12V DC LED driver. The datasheet warns against direct 240V connection.

Does it need an earth?

No. The datasheet lists Protection Class 3 no earth required at the fitting.

How wide is the beam?

36, which is narrow for a step light. It gives a defined pool on the tread rather than a broad wash.

Is there a globe to replace?

No. The LED is built in, at a maximum of 5W.

What is the warranty?

Three years, as a replacement warranty.