Removing Spotlight

[richjc]

Hi, I want to remove a ceiling mounted spotlight and not replace it (whoever lived in my house before me had some really strange ideas on how to "improve" the place).

I've been told I just need to disconnect it and run the wires into a terminal block so they can't touch, is that correct? If so what amp rating does the block need to be?

Also, would it matter than the wiring was still connected at the switch?

Thanks,
Colin

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I've been told I just need to disconnect it and run the wires into a terminal block so they can't touch, is that correct?

Sort of - depending on what wires are there you may need to replicate the way they are connected or part of your light circuit will stop working.

Please read the Wiki articles and learn how lighting circuits work - if you find anything more than a single L, N & E make sure you note which is which before you remove the old light.

http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting


Earths should be sleeved.

If so what amp rating does the block need to be?

5/6A upwards, and it should be in an enclosure. http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:chock

But I'm assuming you'll patch and make good the ceiling, so if the block will become inaccessible you should use a maintenance-free junction box rather than something with screw terminals, such as the Ashley J803 or J804, depending on whether you need 3 or 4 terminals.

Also, would it matter than the wiring was still connected at the switch?

No.

 

[richjc]

Cheers, that answers everything.

The plan is to use a blank rose to cover the area so the block would be accessible by removing that (ceiling is artex, not going to be easy to patch it up whatever I do)

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Do you know how old the Artex is?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artex#Artex_and_health_risks

http://www.asbestosadvisor.net/asbestos_products/asbestos_textured_coating_artex.aspx

 

[richjc]

Yep, I've looked into that and am pretty sure it's modern enough to be safe. I won't be disturbing it either way.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Also if you're leaving the hole etc you could use one of these:

then if ever you want to out a new light in there you can wire it to the other half and just plug it in.