How to fit a fluorescent tube light?

yus786

Hi all

I'm thinking of replacing one of the lights in my house. It currentl has the normal pendant/ceiling 100w type light and am thinking of replacing it with a fluorescent tube light.

Can someone advise me on:

1. How to do it?
2. Is it difficult?
3. Anything else i need to be aware off?
4. The most economoical one out there

Many thanks for your help

illuminate

Few more details....

What exactly do you mean by a fluorescent tube light and where is it going ?

Moss5

http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/lights_and_switches.htm
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=101684&ts=63108&id=51084
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4322045/Trail/C%24cip%3D35826.Homewares%3EC%24cip%3D35893.Lighting%3EC%24cip%3D35896.Ceiling%2Blights.htm

If you convert the pendant to a plug-in bayonet, you could use a plug-in strip or circular fluorescent.

yus786

illuminate wrote:

Few more details....

What exactly do you mean by a fluorescent tube light and where is it going ?

Replacing a normal pendant light to a 5' long tube light on the ceiling.

jennifernil

If you want an economy solution the cheapest way is to swap your ordinary bulb for a low energy type. For the same amount of illumination you would need to fit a 20watt one. They cost £5 to £10 depending on where you buy them. Fitting a bigger one will give better light and still save on the bills

To answer your original question........it is easy if you know what you are doing!

Switch off the power to the lighting circuit. Remove the existing fitting. Screw the backplate of the new fitting to the ceiling, either to the joists using woodscrews or to the plasterboard using brollyfix plasterboard fixings. Wire up the connection block as per the instructions with the fitting. You may find the wire in the ceiling is too short to reach, if so connect an additional cable using block connectors. If you use a long enough piece you could gently push the join back into the ceiling cavity. Any suitable 3 core cable can be used. (note...if at this point you find there is no earth in your lighting circuit then you should use a plastic rather than metal fitting, so it is as well to check this out before you buy the fitting. This is unlikely to be a problem in newer wiring.) Fit the cover plate. Insert the tube. Restore power. The fitting should come with full instructions.

Most economical type is one that uses triphosphor tubes as it will last longer and give more light for the same power consumption. However the tubes cost more to buy.

Fluorescents used without a diffuser give a harsher light, but diffusers cut down light levels. For a warmer light use a "warm white" tube.

Doonhamer

yus786 wrote:

Hi all

I'm thinking of replacing one of the lights in my house. It currentl has the normal pendant/ceiling 100w type light and am thinking of replacing it with a fluorescent tube light....

Aren't fluorescent tubes a bit old fashioned now for inside a house?

Should be east to fit though. Is your ceiling rose a "loop in" one? If so you will need to make sure and join the loop in wires inside the new fluorescent fitting, making it slightly more complicated. Modern houses are mostly like this, old ones tend to have a junction box for each floor with lots of cables coming out of it, but less wires at each light fitting.

Why not get one of those curved bar lights with 4 spots on, will look more modern than a fluorescent tube.