Replacing a standard electric light bulb holder

martin57

Hi folks,

Just wondering as I had to replace a electric light bulb holder tonight (and then put on the glass reasonable heavy shade) that the only thing really holding the weight of the shade is the brown and neutral wires and if they were to break then the shade would simply fall down.

its a plastic bulb holder and has a little dome shaped piece of plastic that fits inside the upper screwable part. I put the live though a slit in one side of it and the neutral through the other, the purpose as I understand it, just to make sure that the 2 wires are separated.

Does this sound right, seems to be working ok, but would rather a more stable way of keeping shade in place rather than depending on the 2 electric live and neutral wires to support it.

Any tips appreciated.

martin57

southcoastrgi

are we talking about on the ceiling ? because if so it should be screwed to the ceiling, cable for lights is normally along side the joist under the plasterboard to allow the fitting to be screwed into this

molerat

The whole thing is supported by the wires but they should be routed round some notches and not rely on the electrical terminals to hold. Some fittings clamp the outer sheath when the top is screwed on.

Stooby2

http://www.diyfixit.co.uk/electrics/lampholder-fitting-and-connecting.html

This may help.

martin57

Thanks for replies. Its just a normal ceiling light, but as far as I can see even though main power cable is hooked to the ceiling, if the 2 terminal wires were to break inside the lamp holder then the whole lamp holder would simply fall down along with the shade that is on the lamp holder.

Will probably look for a non glass type of shade.

Martin57