Replacing a Light Fitting, and What Needs an Electrician
Swapping an old ceiling light for a new one looks like a 10 minute job, and the reason it isn't a DIY one has nothing to do with how hard it is. Fixed wiring in South Australia is licensed electrical work, so disconnecting a light fitting and connecting a new one is a job for a licensed electrician, and that includes the plain batten holder with a bare globe hanging off it.
A wrong connection on a light can leave the metal of the fitting live, and you won't find out until somebody touches it. That's the reason I won't walk you through the wiring. It still leaves plenty that's yours to do, and doing it well is what makes the electrician's visit a short one.
What's yours to do
Changing a globe is yours, and so is cleaning a fitting, as long as the light's switched off and has had time to cool. If a globe keeps blowing well before it should, mention it to the electrician rather than just putting another one in, because that can point to a problem in the fitting itself.
Choosing the new fitting is yours too, and it's the part that saves the most time on the day. Check what's in the ceiling now, whether it's a batten holder or a downlight, and measure the base of the old fitting so you know whether the new one will cover the marks and the hole it leaves behind.
Sort these before the electrician comes
If it's a downlight, check the cut out size, because downlights come in different sizes and a new one that needs a bigger hole is a bigger job. If you want it on a dimmer, make sure the fitting and the globe are both rated as dimmable and tell the electrician, because a dimmer on a globe that isn't dimmable will flicker and buzz.
And if you can get into the roof space safely, have a look at what's sitting around the existing lights, because insulation pushed hard up against an old halogen downlight is a known fire risk and the electrician will want to know about it.
Changing a globe safely
For a globe change the wall switch is enough, but give the old globe a few minutes to cool and use a stable step rather than a chair. If a globe breaks off in the socket, turn the circuit off at the switchboard before you go near it, and if it won't come out cleanly that's one for the electrician as well.
Shop related products
- Hard Unit Head Lamp, USB Rechargeable. Light to work by when the circuit's off at the board.
- Hard Unit Aluminium Torch, Small. For checking what's in the roof space.
- Katana 18V Cordless Swivel Head Torch. Runs off the same battery as the rest of the Katana range.
- Supercraft Slotted Screwdriver, 5 x 100mm. For diffuser screws and cover clips.
Did you know we also stock bayonet cap LED globes and HPM batten holders in the shop. We carry dimmable LED downlights as well, so you can choose the fitting with us and hand it to your electrician. None of those are on the website, so give us a ring on (08) 8536 4333 to check what's on the shelf.
Keep reading
- Essential tools every first time homeowner should have
- How to choose anchors and screws for heavy items
I'll change a globe any day of the week, and anything past the globe goes to somebody with a licence.
Cheers,
Candeece
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