Low Energy But Can't Get Lampshades To Fit

Hoploz

Following my re-wire, I have the obligatory percentage (3) of low energylight bulbs. Ugly monstrosities they are, those long bulbs.

Anyway, the fitting is too big to put a normal light shade on - the diameter is over 4cm. The electrician was not very helpful, didn't realise there was a problem, so I don't know what to do.

Can anyone PLEASE tell me where I can get shades to cover the unsightly bulbs???

Thanks

msmicawber

Hi, I can't help with lampshades, but you can get smaller, neater low energy bulbs. At the moment, Lidl and Wilkinson's seem to have the cheapest.

Inactive

Change the bulbs for shorter ones, they are not all long ones.

Hoploz

It isn't the length of the bulb that's the problem. They have special fittings that dangle from the wire, different to normal ones. I think the whole thing runs off a different voltage or something.

The problem is with the diameter of the fitting that unscrews to put the shade onto, which is over 4cm instead of about an inch or so for a standard bulb holder fitting.

penrhyn

You have continental style lamp fittings (400mm diameter), which are larger than the UK ones, are the fittings Edison screw type?.
Anyway the best place to go for compatible fittings is Ikea as all theirs are of the larger size. they sell reducers for those with UK fittings.
They also have a wide range of CF bulbs.

maninthestreet

Hoploz wrote: »

It isn't the length of the bulb that's the problem. They have special fittings that dangle from the wire, different to normal ones. I think the whole thing runs off a different voltage or something.

The problem is with the diameter of the fitting that unscrews to put the shade onto, which is over 4cm instead of about an inch or so for a standard bulb holder fitting.

What are these 'special fittings that dangle from the wire' - these are lightbulbs, so nothing should be dangling.

Hoploz

The 'dangly bit' I was referring to is the bit that the bulb clips into - between the bulb and the wire - what you attach the shade to!!

Perhaps Ikea may be the only option then, thanks. DIY shops seem to look blankly at me when I ask - I even took the bit that unscrews with me but no luck.

skanger

Hoploz

I guess you are refering to these:-

http://www.ryness.co.uk/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=9424

As required under the new building regulations, you can only as far as I am aware get shades to fit from Ikea. - Typical eh!

HTH

Hoploz

BINGO, thanks Skanger, at last someone who doesn't think I am bonkers or stupid.
So now I will have to put aside a day to go off across country to Ikea.

burnsguitarman

Why not do as everyone else does, and change them for conventional fittings and ordinary low energy bulbs. Or have a "fancy" light fitting if you choose. There is nothing to stop you doing this. You would struggle even more to buy replacement bulbs for the light fittings you have now!

Garetha

£6 for a light bulb :eek:

Go to Poundland, Poundstretcher, Screwfix or almost anywhere and buy a standard pendant light fitting £1 - £2.50



DIY - or get someone with experience to help
Turn off the power
Remove the old fitting - check the wire colours and connections
Install the new standard fitting - make sure all wires are tightly connected and safe.
Install a cheap low energy bulb
Turn on the power

Enjoy!