Wall mounting a spotlight bar

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Deleted2797112

I would like to replace a wall mounted plaster uplighter with a 3-4 lamp spotlight bar. I've been looking in the sheds and so far the styles I've liked say on the packaging that they can only be ceiling mounted. I've asked assistants and no-one can tell me why. I bought one from Ikea after asking if it can be wall-mounted as there was nothing on the packaging - they checked their computer system and said it had no warning about wall mounting. I've just opened the sealed packaging and the first picture shows it can't be wall mounted.

What's the reason? It will be above head and normal reach height, on a plain wall, no drapes, curtains or anything else nearby. What am I missing? And where can I find a spotlight bar that I can wall mount?

As always, TIA!
 
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Presumably the base is not designed to be mounted in that orientation. Perhaps not strong enough, perhaps just covering themselves. There are a few specifically marked as for wall-mounting, but not many.
 
ianniann said:
Presumably the base is not designed to be mounted in that orientation. Perhaps not strong enough, perhaps just covering themselves. There are a few specifically marked as for wall-mounting, but not many.
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Thanks! I can sort of understand that hanging it in a different orientation than it was designed for could put different stresses on the mountings, securing screws etc. I was curious whether it was an electrical regulation / safety issue. One assistant in a shed which shall be nameless tried to convince me it was because of the heat generated by the bulbs and the risk of burning oneself.

ban-all-sheds said:
Which product?

Write to Ikea and ask them.
Click to expand...

It's Husinge. It comes in a sealed clear plastic bag which doesn't specify anywhere that it's a ceiling mount. It's only when you open the bag, unscrew the mounting plate and unfold and open up the multi-language instruction book that it makes it clear that it's ceiling mount only. The warning isn't on the website either although it's listed in the broad category of ceiling tracks.
 
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The only thing I can think of is to do with the orientation of the lamps/ filaments, in the days when tungsten filament lamps were king.
 
ceres said:
One assistant in a shed which shall be nameless tried to convince me it was because of the heat generated by the bulbs and the risk of burning oneself.
Click to expand...
Make a formal written complaint to the company - that employee should be disciplined.
 
ceres said:
Thanks! I can sort of understand that hanging it in a different orientation than it was designed for could put different stresses on the mountings, securing screws etc. I was curious whether it was an electrical regulation / safety issue. One assistant in a shed which shall be nameless tried to convince me it was because of the heat generated by the bulbs and the risk of burning oneself.



It's Husinge. It comes in a sealed clear plastic bag which doesn't specify anywhere that it's a ceiling mount. It's only when you open the bag, unscrew the mounting plate and unfold and open up the multi-language instruction book that it makes it clear that it's ceiling mount only. The warning isn't on the website either although it's listed in the broad category of ceiling tracks.
Click to expand...
If it has three spots, it should be reasonably balanced if placed on a wall rather than a ceiling. If it has five spots, it may be unbalanced, putting a strain on the mountings.

As it will have at least two external fixing screws, you would need to ensure that all screws would be accessible when wall mounted. (Not too close to the ceiling !)

If/when your "wall mounting" is successful, please consider photographing the result and posting it on http://www.ikeahackers.net/
 
ceres said:
they checked their computer system and said it had no warning about wall mounting. I've just opened the sealed packaging and the first picture shows it can't be wall mounted.
Click to expand...

Take it back and ask for a full refund ( not as a credit note ) as it is not fit for the purpose ( method of use ) that was specifically mentioned to the staff. Once that is agreed and the refund has been made you could then ask for consideration of the costs of the inconvenience caused.. If they cannot do that then suggest that you are given "manager's discount" on the next item(s) you purchase from them. And get that as a promise in writing if you are not buying something that day.
 
Thanks everyone. I've been debating whether to keep it and put it on the wall anyway but being a cautious sort of person I've decided to take it back. I'll keep on looking for one that's suitable for wall mounting. It doesn't seem to me to be such an odd thing to want a spotlight bar on a wall but they're few and far between.
 
I am sure the main reason for the restriction is due to the risk of injury from accidental contact with a hot incandescent lamp. Another reason may be the risk of eye damage from a spotlight shining a bright light horizontally across the room possibly at eye level
 
bernardgreen said:
I am sure the main reason for the restriction is due to the risk of injury from accidental contact with a hot incandescent lamp. Another reason may be the risk of eye damage from a spotlight shining a bright light horizontally across the room possibly at eye level
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Really!
A "hot incandescent lamp" does not seem likely to be a problem when the device is pictured with what are obviously LED devices.
If you are concerned about "the risk of eye damage from a spotlight shining a bright light horizontally across the room possibly at eye level", have you ever walked outdoors on a summer day and glanced at the star which nurtures all life on earth?
If you did not "get it", that star is commonly called "The Sun".
 
FrodoOne said:
when the device is pictured with what are obviously LED devices.
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I couldn't find any reference to a picture of the device, and until you posted the term "LED" the only place "led" could be found in this thread was at the end of the word "sealed"

FrodoOne said:
have you ever walked outdoors on a summer day and glanced at the star which nurtures all life on earth?
Click to expand...

Yes accidently and been left with shirt duration solar retinopathy which thank fully has not caused any permanent damage.
 
I did miss that reference to the type of fitting where LED lamps are recommended but not it seems supplied with it.
 
In the store, there was alongside the fittings a display of the recommended lamps which are LED at £5 each. The fitting can also accept non-LEDs. If the issue with a spotlight bar is heat from the lamps and having a beam that might be directed at a person's eyes, why is this not an issue for other wall lamps - the type that are sold specifically for wall mounting - some of them are spotlight design, some are more traditional semi-flush bracket style. All of these can run hot depending on the bulb type and the spotlight style can also be 'aimed'.
 
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