Low Energy But Can't Get Lampshades To Fit

MarkyMarkD

Wikipedia suggests that it's only a building regulations requirement to install these light fittings in new builds.

Are you sure that your electrical contractor hasn't spun you a yarn and ripped you off?

Hoploz

No I'm sure he hasn't ripped me off, thanks.

So do these fittings run on the same power as a standard one then? I thought they didn't run using the same 240v or whatever. I think the best option might be to get them changed to standard ones and just put energy efficient bulbs in. Which is what I thought they'd be in the first place. Ho hum. I think the guy who did them won't want to, as it is part of the Part P certification, but I know another electrician so perhaps I'll ask him what he thinks.

Thanks for your comments, they have (mostly) been very helpful.

MarkyMarkD

Do explain, rather less condescendingly, how you haven't been ripped off?

If they are not a legal requirement for a rewire, why did your electrician force you to have something which you didn't want?

Inactive

Looks like more " Red Tape " to me.:rolleyes:

burnsguitarman

No, the wiring to these lights is exactly the same as "normal" fittings. If you or someone you know is confident, they can easily be changed for conventional fittings, which can be bought for £1-2 from the likes of Wilkinsons, B&Q etc. If you flip the circuit breaker for your lights (or turn the electric off altogether), unscrew the rose at the ceiling, and let it drop down the flex. Then make a note of the colours and connections, or, take a photo if thats easier, then simply replace it with the fitting of your choice. This is not doing anything wrong. You are perfectly entitled to do this under the regulations. The sparky you used was right to fit these fittings (although I didn't know the requirement included rewires,) but you dont have to keep them! Hope this helps you!

gasbill

sorry - no help on the fittings but I was wondering - are there any energy light saving bulbs out there that are a reasonable colour? i had one a few years ago, and it was awful - a horrible sickly green light. Bought one a week or so ago thinking they must have got better or people wouldn't keep buying them - and it wasn't as bad, but still a slight greenish cast to the light. Is this the trade off with them? Surely they can sort this out and make them look like normal bulbs.....

burnsguitarman

We bought our last ones from Tesco they are General Electric in a green and yellow box. These seem to be a nice bright light and are very quick to become bright, compared to others I have tried. They are a spiral design rather than a long tube. Hope that makes sense!

Hoploz

Thanks burnsguitarman, that is very helpful. We can manage that, we've done other fancy fittings previously, it was just the voltage aspect I wasn't sure about.

And to gasbill - they take a while to get bright, so the first minute or so is a bit yukky but after that I have found they are nice and bright with no colour to them.

gasbill

well, maybe it's just me, but I still think they're a funny colour even after they warm up. Maybe I'll try a different brand. I think the one I bought recently was Phillips......

Magnet420

All you need to do is cut the ring on your lamp shades each side so they will spread out and fit :beer: