security lighting

Butterfliesarepretty

I got an outside security light above my kitchen window, i need to replace the bulb myself but nobody to hold ladder for me. Its a two piece decorating steel ladder so how can i just make sure the rubber stops dont slip.

Once i replace this bulb i also have a pir security light with wireless plug for indoors, but its quite big so want it put further down the yard on a side wall to overshine my car and bottom of yard. How much would it be for an electrician to install this. I guess i would have to have power going along the wall from a power point?
I want to put it on the high wall just in front of the shed.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57761359@N08/5471818610/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57761359@N08/5471226125/

you can see the existing security light above window, its rather old and the screws may be rusted.

Is it better to completely replace that one with the bigger one??

ihateflying

What would the base of the ladders be resting on?

Butterfliesarepretty

In the picture they would be resting on the concrete yard floor but it is slightly sloping towards the gate. They are rubber tipped but I want to make sure that when I am up they are secure.

grimsalve

Could you not persuade someone to hold the bottom of the ladder for you? Or better still, you hold the ladder while they go up to replace the bulb?

You could phone an electrician and get him to sort both problems out in one go - not sure of a price though, sorry. IMO, it's worth paying a bit extra for peace of mind and for getting the job done properly (especially if you're considering having electrics outside).

Butterfliesarepretty

got nobody to hold the ladder, just me.
I am not sure about phoning an electrician always nervous of the price, i know i need it doing, but Im prepared to change the bulb myself tomorrow.

grimsalve

Butterfliesarepretty wrote: »

got nobody to hold the ladder, just me.
I am not sure about phoning an electrician always nervous of the price, i know i need it doing, but Im prepared to change the bulb myself tomorrow.

If I were you I wouldn't risk going up the ladder on my own, from the photo it looks quite high and the floor is uneven (and maybe slippy?) - if the ladder slips then it will hurt and if there's no one around to help then you're in big trouble.

What about one of your neighbours? At least tell them what you're doing so they can call an ambulance if you fall off :eek:

Butterfliesarepretty

grimsalve wrote: »

If I were you I wouldn't risk going up the ladder on my own, from the photo it looks quite high and the floor is uneven (and maybe slippy?) - if the ladder slips then it will hurt and if there's no one around to help then you're in big trouble.

What about one of your neighbours? At least tell them what you're doing so they can call an ambulance if you fall off :eek:

neighbours unwilling to help on this street, asked a favour once before and got a look of surprise and reluctance.

I will phone an electrician tomorrow.

27col

You don't need an electrician, any competent handyman could do the job easily, and probably a lot cheaper. He is also likely to have a decent ladder.

ihateflying

Had a look at youre photo and what you could do is dangle a long length of rope out of the upstairs window. Attach (inside the house) the end of the rope to a plank which is wider than the window itself. Attach the other end to the ladder. Put th ladder in position go back inside the house and re-attach the rope to the plank to take up the slack.

Alternatively you can buy a ladder stabilizer from Screwfix (about £60).

One more thing - if you do end up doing this yourself don't touch the glass of the Halogen tube with your bare fingers as this will affect the life of the tube.

Butterfliesarepretty

Well i just got a quote on the phone from a local guy. I have the security light, I have asked to have it put down the bottom of the yard so a junction box and cable and capping needed from existing security light over window and hes charging £85???:cool:

I have asked him to put paper quote through the door to me and I will ring him when I get it.

Is £85 too much? The cable will be run from existing light down the wall of yard to new security light that I already have.

mackemdave

I had a flyer through the door yesterday regarding security device installation and it said on there that supply and install security light FROM £59.99+vat