Little DIY job

kmmr

Hi all,

I have a small problem with one of my downlighters. It is one of the ones that is recessed into the ceiling, and it has fallen down a little bit.

I think because one of the little clasps that it has is not working, or their is a little bit of damage to the ceiling where it should clip in so it just falls out. Or rather, one side hangs down a little, it is being held in place with the other clasp, just a bit lopsided.

My plan is to go over with some blu-tack and just stick it back up?! Does anyone know if this won't work? Does it get very hot on the edge of these things that might cause the blue tack to stop working? Or does anyone have a better option.

It's a tenanted flat, and the tenants are complaining that it is 'unsightly', but there is no safety issue or anything. I suspect they may not be impressed with a blu-tack based solution, but I want to be able to tell them it is acceptable. I would prefer not to have to get an electrician in!

thanks all!

KMMR

absent_dad

I wouldn't have said that this was a job for an electrician unless you intend to replace the unit.

Sounds like the spring clip that is holding this in has failed or may not be all the way in...as you push them home they 'spring' out to hold the unit in place.

See if you can drop the unit out fully and inspect what is causing this. If you cannot see anything apparent, maybe some no nails around the unit and put it back in place. The suction should hold it in place while it dries. No nails resists heat to 150 degrees I think...have no idea about blu tack but I know that playing with it it goes soft so doubt this will work.

Hope this helps

kmmr

absent_dad wrote: »

Sounds like the spring clip that is holding this in has failed or may not be all the way in...as you push them home they 'spring' out to hold the unit in place.

Yes - it's exactly that. It just won't stay back in, so the spring must be gone. I wouldn't ever call an electrician, but sometimes tenants have a slightly odd view of what landlords should do.

I'll pick up some no nails on the way. Should be an easy enough job.

Thanks for your help.

27col

Several of my downlighters have warped around the edge, due to the heat. Eventually I will replace them with cast fittings rather than the pressed ones that I have at present.

kmmr

No more nails did the job beautifully! Quick and easy.

Actually, when I looked at the light I found some old blue tack underneath the light! It seems that was an option I tried before.

fluffpot

Too late now,but you should have taken the fitting out and fished around in the ceiling to find the spring clip. Now you've glued it up, you'll have a job getting it out again in the future if there is a problem....:(