How do I get this light fitting off to change Halogen ceiling lightbulbs

Section62

another_casualty said:

so, how do I actually detach the fitting from the transformer? ?

There's still a white junction box the other side of the hole.

If you are sure the power is off, and if the JB will fit through the hole, and there's enough slack in the supply cable to let the JB come through the hole to a comfortable working height.... then I'd pull the junction box out and disconnect the transformer/light from that.

You can then work on the transformer and light in an easier location.

If the black 'thing' is the transformer (I would expect it to be) then personally I'd ask myself what advantage there is of having a single LED light running off a transformer.... then buy a suitable (fire rated?) mains voltage LED light fitting with a bulb which can be sensibly replaced without tearing the ceiling down in future.

victor2

Open up the black junction box by prising open the two clips on the side:

With any luck you'll then be able to disconnect the wire and take the whole light fitting down to a more manageable level where you can see if it is actually sealed or the bulb will come out.

Edit: If it is a transformer then it needs to go anyway and a new fitting will be wired in from the junction box.

GDB2222

If you do have to replace it, do yourself a massive favour and replace all of them at the same time. 

I suggest using these:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GLCPL6CT.html

They are surface mounted, but they clip into the existing hole. Surface mounted is good, as there's less sound and heat transmission.  

another_casualty

FreeBear said:

another_casualty said: so, how do I actually detach the fitting from the transformer? ?

please once again enlighten me ..

From your second set of images, you have a black block in the middle of the cable - This may well be a plug & socket that just pulls apart. There might be a locking lug that needs pressing in... There also appears to be a junction box (round white thing) up in the ceiling. If this isn't fixed in place, that gives you a second spot to disconnect. Finally, where the cable disappears in to the light fitting, there is a small cover that looks like it unclips (held in place by a screw ?). Remove this cover, and there may well be some screw terminals underneath.

If all else fails, just cut the ruddy cable close to the lamp and use a terminal block & junction box to connect the new fitting to.

Thanks for this ! 

The last time I used a junction box was for speaker wire . The junction box is fixed in place where I can't see. 

So, I'll detach from the black box using screwdriver .
I'm trying to find the correct type of fitting , but the grill and poor lighting are hindering my chances . I'll persist ..

GDB2222

Can I ask a question about fire safety? I noticed that the ceiling has a double layer of plasterboard. That may be for fire safety**. So, is the existing lamp fire rated? The fire safe ones I have seen have a separate 'hood' over the top.



** it may just be for sound insulation. Obviously having loads of holes in for downlighters doesn't help with that, though.

another_casualty

Okay , regarding the double layer of plasterboard , I assume that it is a combination of fire safety , and soundproofing from flats above. The living room and main bedrooms have suspended ceilings as it is a gd flr Victorian converted flat .

Now  back onto the fitting ; with great difficulty Ive been trying to find max wattage for the fitting . It is indeed a 220/240 volt fittting . I will Google the make ( steeple ) and find the correct ones to order . Taking a pic of the backside in darkness, while fine detail is covered by metal grating is not easy with one hand . It looks like 9 watts but I'll have to look closer of the blurry images of iPhone footage. Some of those pics are like films and move when pressed ..

youth_leader

I do feel for you.  I'm only 5 foot 2 tall and found it hellish dangling at the top of the ladder trying to do mine. Have you got a head torch you can wear for the photos?  Luckily my daughter has taught me to use the volume button to take photos on my IPhone one handed.

another_casualty

Okay ..I finally got the product name and number . 

The product looks to be discontinued 🤬😡
Steeple STLEDDL6WW 
Hopefully someone can advise on a replacement . 

I deserve a  lucky break now, as I have been good entertainment over last couple of days 😼

another_casualty

victor2 said:

Open up the black junction box by prising open the two clips on the side:

With any luck you'll then be able to disconnect the wire and take the whole light fitting down to a more manageable level where you can see if it is actually sealed or the bulb will come out.

Edit: If it is a transformer then it needs to go anyway and a new fitting will be wired in from the junction box.

I did think of this , but alas the box couldn't be opened at the time .
There are 4 screws on the body preventing this also ..

Bendy_House

Ooooh, yeessss - you have been great entertainment