If you're choosing between Collingwood's H2 Lite and H2 Pro fire-rated LED downlights, both are popular, UK-made options that maintain fire integrity without needing a separate hood. They're both insulation-coverable, IP65-rated from below (suitable for bathroom Zone 1), TRIAC dimmable and approved for the same fire scenarios in typical UK ceilings.
If you're looking for a full breakdown of all Collingwood downlights, read our complete guide.
What's the difference between Collingwood H2 Lite and H2 Pro?
Here's the practical comparison focused on the four areas that decide installs: fire rating, installation depth, features and applications.
Fire Rating
The H2 Lite and H2 Pro are identical in their fire rated performance
- Solid timber ceilings: 30 / 60 / 90 minutes
- I-joist ceilings: 30 minutes
- Metal web joists: 30 minutes
Both comply with UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B, Parts B, C, E, L, P). No difference here — either handles the required fire protection when fitted correctly and both models are insulation coverable
Installation Depth
This is the biggest decider for many jobs.
H2 Lite
- Recess depth: 46mm (explicitly shallow design for tight voids)
- Cut-out: 64–72mm
- Overall diameter: 90mm
H2 Pro
- Recess depth: 49mm
- Cut-out: 64–72mm
- Overall diameter: 90mm
Practical takeaway
In refurbishments, modern I-joist/metal-web floors, or any ceiling with limited clearance (under 48mm above the plasterboard), the H2 Lite is the safer bet — it drops in without joist notching or packing. If you've got 50mm+ void space, both fit comfortably.
Features
Here's a clear head-to-head breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | H2 Lite | H2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | Fixed 5.5W (some switchable 4/6W in CSP variants) | Switchable 5W / 7W (or similar adjustable) |
| CCT | Fixed 3000K or 4000K; Switchable (2200K / 2700K / 3000K / 4000K) | Fixed 3000K or 4000K, Switchable 2700K / 3000K / 4000K (via driver switches) |
| Lumen output | 440–490lm (up to ~780lm in switchable CSP) | Higher: typically 480–765lm (brighter options) |
| Efficacy | Up to 114lm/W | Up to 130lm/W |
| Bezel | Integrated (Matt White, Matt Black, Brushed Steel) | Interchangeable/twist-and-lock (more finish flexibility, available separately) |
| Dimmable | TRIAC (leading/trailing edge) | TRIAC (leading/trailing edge) |
| Connector | Patented Easy-Fit (quick first/second fix) | Push-fit / plug-and-play loop-in/out |
| IP rating | IP65 from below (IP20 from above) | IP65 from below |
| Warranty | 10 years | 7 years |
| LED lifetime | L70 70,000 hours | L70 70,000 hours |
| Insulation coverable | Yes (rolled & blown) | Yes (rolled & blown) |
Bottom line on features
H2 Lite prioritises simplicity, a longer warranty, integrated bezels and the shallowest profile — ideal for straightforward, high-volume domestic work.
H2 Pro adds on-site versatility with interchangeable bezels, higher brightness and better efficacy.
Applications
Both suit the same core uses:
- Bathrooms (Zone 1)
- Kitchens
- Living rooms, hallways, bedrooms
- Multi-storey/residential/commercial fire-rated ceilings (solid timber, I-joist, metal web)
H2 Lite is the go-to for:
- Tight or shallow ceiling voids
- Budget or standard domestic installs
- Jobs needing quick stock (integrated bezels, fixed options)
- Where longest warranty and lower glare help
H2 Pro suits better when:
- You need brighter light (kitchens, open-plan, task areas)
- Flexibility on bezel finish
- Higher-end/refurb projects want premium feel and adjustability
Deciding Between H2 Lite and H2 Pro
Ceiling depth / void space
Under 48 mm clearance? → H2 Lite.
49mm+ available? → Either is fine.
Fire rating required
Same for both — no issue.
Flexibility needed?
Fixed CCT/output across the install? → H2 Lite.
Different rooms or potential changes (interchangeable bezels)? Or need brighter output? → H2 Pro.
Extras or priorities?
Emergency lighting, highest efficacy or max adjustability? → H2 Pro.
Longest warranty, easiest/quickest install, tightest fit? → H2 Lite.
Not sure how many downlights you need for your room, use our guide
Most electricians' rule of thumb
Everyday domestic/refurb jobs (80%+ of work): H2 Lite — shallow, reliable, cost-effective.
Higher-spec, variable-requirement or brighter-need projects: H2 Pro.
Both have proven track records in millions of UK installs. Choose based on your actual ceiling constraints, lighting requirements and desired finish.