Downlights

deb · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 2 Location: United Kingdom

I recently purchased some downlights on ebay that arrived without installation instructions. I have sorted the wiring out but (and I know that this sounds daft)I can't figure out how to keep the bulb up in the recess. The kit come with an outer housing, two springs and a circular piece of wire that I think attaches to the springs in some way, shape or form (????). The bulb fits directly into a transformer and will quite happily hang loose but when the housing is put into the ceiling it just falls out. Am I missing a piece of kit or do I just cable clip the excess cable? Any advice gratefully received.

breezer · Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2004 10:54 am

do you mean:
1)You can not keep the lamp in the holder?
2)The lamp stays in the holder, but falls out the fitting
3)You can not keep the fitting in the ceiling?

sjtaylor_199 · Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 18 Location: United Kingdom

the circular clip goes in after the bulb you squeeze it in and it expands and holds the bulb in.

deb · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 2 Location: United Kingdom

Hi Breezer... Thanks for your response (I noticed that you are a regular). Basically Number 1...I can fit the holder to the ceiling and the bulb is wired to the transformer but the bulb on the flex falls through and just dangles in mid air. Plus I am left with the spare circular piece of wire.

SJTaylor... I will try your suggestion today ... I guess I'm just a visual person and can't really see how it would work (eg what it would attach to) but I am ready to be surprised.

But overall Seasons greetings to you both and many thanks for your time.

jcdotcom · Joined: 17 Dec 2004 Posts: 15 Location: United Kingdom

This would be the spare piece of circular wire that has the two ends bent in towards the centre, and the diameter of which just about matches the front face of the bulb? If so, that's a spring clip which you fix in by squeezing the two ends together and pushing against the face of the bulb, in the fitting, and releasing so that the clip occupies a small groove in the fitting, preventing the bulb from falling out.

By the way, it may not be quite as easy as I've just described, especially if you're balancing on top of a stepladder. (And, of course, if I'm wrong about what you've got, it'll be impossible

)

jc

delmel · Joined: 28 Nov 2004 Posts: 323 Location: United Kingdom

Deb there are 2 types of downlight

Pressed steel - Generally really basic and come with a spring clip that is a pain A. They get lost, B. They are crap to fit.

or Die cast - More substantial and come with twist release centre, easy to chage lamps and better quality for little more expense.

Transformers I would only recommend IBL they are quality and reliable. Also lamps I advise to get branded lamps (Osram, Phillips, BLV, or GE) as most others are rubbish and last no time at all.

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 2:31 am

delmel wrote:

Transformers I would only recommend IBL

delmel wrote:

Hope you have a decnt make of Transformer or you will have fun. Hope u got IBL ones as they are the only reliable and proven one that i would use

delmel wrote:

Important to choose a quality product, suggest IBL the only one i would fit.

delmel wrote:

Install some transformers decent ones (only IBL)

A recurring theme.

Are you really saying that out of all the makes of transformers in the world, there is only one that is any good, and all the others are rubbish?

Anybody else agree?

breezer · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 9:37 am

ban-all-sheds wrote:

Anybody else agree?

i bet he works for IBL

DaveZetec · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 10:36 am

http://www.cays04430.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ft/downlights.GIF

Just whipped that up, hope it helps (I'm sick of the things after installing 5 sets the other week)

L.Spark · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 61 Location: United Kingdom

ban-all-sheds wrote:

delmel wrote:

Transformers I would only recommend IBL

delmel wrote:

Hope you have a decnt make of Transformer or you will have fun. Hope u got IBL ones as they are the only reliable and proven one that i would use

delmel wrote:

Important to choose a quality product, suggest IBL the only one i would fit.

delmel wrote:

Install some transformers decent ones (only IBL)

A recurring theme.

Are you really saying that out of all the makes of transformers in the world, there is only one that is any good, and all the others are rubbish?

Anybody else agree?

lol don't you get it BAS, IBL are just the best, everyone uses them, best thing after sliced bread, better than selotape for insulation of live conductors

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:21 pm

L.Spark wrote:

lol don't you get it BAS, IBL are just the best, everyone uses them, best thing after sliced bread, better than selotape for insulation of live conductors

Only a fool would use Sellotape.

Paper masking tape - that's the stuff to use, 'cos you can write on that what the circuit is - very handy.

delmel · Joined: 28 Nov 2004 Posts: 323 Location: United Kingdom

Pretty much they are the only reliable transformer. Ive been involved in the industry 25 years and have learnt other cheaper option are just not worth it. I have been burnt in the pocket by trying that.
Up to you at the end of the day
Another good one is Mode but much more expensive and no better.