Should I attempt to change light fittings myself?

Nevergrownup

Just looking for some advice as to whether anyone else has ever attempted to change ceiling light fittings, or if this is a horrible idea? I've been watching a few videos on Youtube and the principle seems simple enough, but I'm also aware that this is the sort of statement that usually proceeds someone ending up getting an honoury mention in the Darwin awards!

Any advice/tales of similar experiences would be appreciated!

DoctorFoster

In theory is easy. In practice sometimes a but fiddly.

If you've average diy skills go for it.

Take a digital photo of the wiring before you start. Don't lose the switched live as you'll have problems. If you can get all the lives in a wago before disconnecting it.

Mark the switched live with s sharpie if there's any danger of the tape or sleve coming off.

flashg67

as above - I tag/identify the wires with masking tape and take photos beforehand just to be sure. Fairly straight forward if you take your time and switch off the consumer unit first (!)

DoctorFoster

flashg67 wrote: »

as above - I tag/identify the wires with masking tape and take photos beforehand just to be sure. Fairly straight forward if you take your time and switch off the consumer unit first (!)

Good point.

I forgot to mention it.

phill99

I think you have already answered your own question.

DoctorFoster

phill99 wrote: »

I think you have already answered your own question.

Careful.

They only asked. :rotfl:

Nevergrownup

Thanks for the advice, guys; keeping track of the switched live seems to be the top priority so I will be sure to mark it up as I go.

The snarky comments are always super helpful too so thanks for that, phill!

martinthebandit

My top tips

Turn off the power.
Undo screws holding the light fitting up.
Check you have turned off the power.
Take photo of the wiring into the existing light fitting.
Look at the connectors on the new fitting and decide if you are certain you can wire it up the same as the old one,
if not check you have the power turned off, refit the existing fitting and call an electrician.
If you are sure check you have the power turned off and do it.

Owain_Moneysaver

get someone else to take the weight of the light fitting leaving you both hands free to fiddle with the connections

Quiet_Spark

Nevergrownup wrote: »

Thanks for the advice, guys; keeping track of the switched live seems to be the top priority so I will be sure to mark it up as I go.

Keeping track of ALL live conductors is priority, and you could find more than 1 in there with all but the switch line being PERMANENTLY live regardless of what position the light switch is in.

Gordon_Hose

I've done it a few times, I found it really easy.

If you're changing the fitting for something big, or heavier it is often easier to have another person help by holding the light while you sort the wires out.