Removing ceiling spot light fittings

[t1ger]

Hi, I was wondering if you would be able to help me. I want to replace the light fittings in my kitchen but I am not sure what sort of fittings to go for as I am having trouble getting the existing spotlights off the ceiling. Is there a knack to it?

The fitting has a circular base on which there are three spotlights, I have tried twisting the base to see if that does it but no joy. Do I just need to be more forceful or am I missing something.

Is it likely that underneath this base there is a traditional ceiling rose fitting? I think the lights have been up since the house was built about 10 years ago.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Qedelec]

Never seen what you describe but if its a traditional fitting there will be 2 spring loaded clips which hold it into the ceailing. It should pull straight down. It may be hard to pull at first though.

 

[t1ger]

Ok, thanks for you help, I'll try pulling it straight down.

Cheers

 

[Spark123]

There isn't a hidden screw under a cover in the centre or around the side of the base is there?

 

[Qedelec]

A picture paints a thousand words.
Or at least a good drawing (don't ask any of picasso's family).

 

[t1ger]

I did wonder that myself, there is what looks like it could possibly be covering a screw but it isn't easy to get off if it is.

As for a picture, I haven't got a digital camera so I'll try to describe it a bit better.

The fitting sits flush with the ceiling. The base is about 8inches in diameter and it is about protudes about an inch off the ceiling. There is a circle in the centre made of different plastic that doesn't seem to come out. There are three spotlights (reflector lamps) mounted on this base.

 

[Qedelec]

Sounds familiar.

You will probably find the plastic does come off, pull it down vertically from both sides at once.
Underneath you will find it has a spigot that locates in a threaded tube which has a nut, securing it to the mounting bracket.
Undo the nut and fanny's your aunt.

 

[Adam_151]

Get a screwdriver and lever the plastic bit off, if you are getting rid of the light, no need to worry about sratching the paint on it, chewing up the plastic too much

and no, no rose under it, there'll just be wires connected with terminal blocks, you can install a rose there if you ant to though

 

[t1ger]

I'll give that a go thanks for your help.

 

[Adam_151]

Or it might be that the plastic bit twists off - depends on the light