Can someone advise me on some lighting?

Frank Smith · 10-10-2009, 9:22 PM

I was looking to get something like this installed, but I was thinking I could go a bit further. Does anyone know if I could get similar lights but which also change colours and are remote controlled for around £150? I live on the top floor and access to my attick is a problem and I have the standard light switch. I know very little if anything about lighting and just wondering if you guys could help me out.

Here are some pics of my ceiling in it's current form (it will be plasterd, should I do this before or after the lights though?) and I have a standard light switch.

Paul_McG · 15-10-2009, 4:30 PM

If you unscrew the ceiling rose cover, you will expose the connections. Have a look, and if you're not confident look in the small ads for an electrician.

You will probably need to remove the rose completely and connect the wires with 5 amp terminal strips. The new light will most likely have a bracket that screws where the ceiling rose was, and then the light fixes to this.

Points to be aware of !!!
1)Switch off the mains. Switch the light ON/OFF to test.
2) Make sure the bracket screws into a wooden floor joist, not just the plaster.
3) Don't screw though a mains cable.
4) Don't screw through a water/gas pipe

The light fitting uses standard GU10 bulbs, and these are available in a wide range of colours. Try a Google search for 'GU10 bulbs'

Frank Smith · 15-10-2009, 6:03 PM

Many thanks. I have settled on these ones which I will pickup tomorrow. I have heard an electrician will charge about £40-£50 to install them. A little costy.

Paul_McG · 15-10-2009, 7:37 PM

Nice lights !

I have a smaller version in my daughters room. I settled on Phillips 50W halogen bulbs, as these give a nice bright white light.

If you are methodical and confident, you can fit it yourself.

Don't be afraid to take photos as you remove things, and tape wires together that are connected so you don't get them confused when connecting them back together. Start early in the day, so if you have a problem, you have time to fix it before it goes dark (speaking from experience !!)

007geezer · 26-10-2009, 1:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Smith

Many thanks. I have settled on these ones which I will pickup tomorrow. I have heard an electrician will charge about £40-£50 to install them. A little costy.

Just in case you havent finished fitting the new lights yet.This site should help

Ultimate Handyman: changing a light fitting