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Recessed Ceiling Lights.

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Does anyone not like changing/renewing recessed ceiling lights. Please tell why if you don't like this work.


Thanks,


Z.
  • 0
    In my experience they are often rammed into holes that are too small and removal results in plaster chips near the fittings that then need filling.  Often get a face full of muck from void above.  Sometimes the cabling is so short you can barely get at the terminals.  Can be a pig to get the fire hoods to reseat properly.....


    As you can see I am not a fan.  I have a oad to do in our kitchen which I have been putting off.
  • 0
    Do you mean the round or square luminaires of the type that may be found in offices, or downlighters?


    The biggest problem is making a hole smaller. If they are in lath and plaster, it's a real pain. I have also come across a very soft form of board, almost like the stuff that would be used in a notice board intended for drawing pins. I have put downlighters in it, but I fear that taking them out  again would simply cause the springs to cheesewire.


    So adding a supplementary question, when doing an I&T, if you are going to remove a downlighter, what steps do you take to prevent damage to the ceiling?
  • 0
    I try to avoid them and if I an asked to work on them I explain to the customer I may damage the ceiling if I touch them and remedial work is extra.


    Once I have removed them trying to get them to fit again flat to the ceiling is often a problem. Others have a stupid method of locating the bulb so it moves when putting it back so you have to start all over again. 


    I have fitted the plates to enable a a small downlight to fit the old very large downlighter holes after another electrician said it could not be done without re-plastering the ceiling. I did have to go into a low loft stuffed full of fibre glass which may have influenced the previous electrician. The customer was very happy with the result. 


    Given the rate of failure, the difficulty of trying to retrofit them to avoid the joists and the massive power consumption, one customer had 20 50W fittings in their kitchen,  I have come to the conclusion their designer was a sadist.


    On the I&T issue I don't touch them unless specifically asked but test the earthing with a wander lead. If they all have no earth I  assume they are double insulated.
  • 0
    Chris Pearson:

    Do you mean the round or square luminaires of the type that may be found in offices, or downlighters?


    The biggest problem is making a hole smaller. If they are in lath and plaster, it's a real pain. I have also come across a very soft form of board, almost like the stuff that would be used in a notice board intended for drawing pins. I have put downlighters in it, but I fear that taking them out  again would simply cause the springs to cheesewire.


    So adding a supplementary question, when doing an I&T, if you are going to remove a downlighter, what steps do you take to prevent damage to the ceiling?


    Hello Chris, I was thinking primarily of the smallish circular recessed downlights as found in domestic kitchens or living rooms.


    Z.


  • 0
    statter:

    In my experience they are often rammed into holes that are too small and removal results in plaster chips near the fittings that then need filling.  Often get a face full of muck from void above.  Sometimes the cabling is so short you can barely get at the terminals.  Can be a pig to get the fire hoods to reseat properly.....


    As you can see I am not a fan.  I have a oad to do in our kitchen which I have been putting off.




    You find fire hoods?


  • 0
    A fast worker. I hate the type of cooker hoods as shown at the back of this kitchen, too low, hard sharp corners that catch your head, and possibly just an air  recycling type as well.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVwHeYu7sVQ


    Z.


  • 0
    Sparkingchip:
    statter:

    In my experience they are often rammed into holes that are too small and removal results in plaster chips near the fittings that then need filling.  Often get a face full of muck from void above.  Sometimes the cabling is so short you can barely get at the terminals.  Can be a pig to get the fire hoods to reseat properly.....


    As you can see I am not a fan.  I have a oad to do in our kitchen which I have been putting off.




    You find fire hoods?




    About 50% notably on builds from last 20 years


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