Hanging a new light fitting Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Susieh]

Not certain if this is the right place to ask this but we've a pair of pendant lights which are supplied with a simple dome shaped cover for the electrical junction block and it is to this that the chains from which the light fittiing is suspended hang.

This cover is a similar diameter to the inner, raised ring on the plaster ceiling rose in our new house. The cover has two screw holes on its outer edge which coincide with the curve of the plaster ring so are unlikely to be able to fix in place firmly enough to take the weight of the light.... anyone any ideas how we can hang the lights securely? Access to the ceiling from the floor above is nigh on impossible.

Susieh

[sparx]

Hi Susieh,
First, this is the right place to ask, but I fear you may not the answer!..
Unfortunately the ceiling rose is a standard size to take the amount of wires normally found at each fitting; but it seems beyond the wit of manufacturers to make the domes of fittings large enough to go over them!
The only way to do the job involves removing the rose completely, fitting a small multiway connector block, and if lucky picking up the original screw fixings.
On this forum under changing a light it shows the connections in glorious technicolour.
If the fitting was not securely mounted to wood then either use plaster board 'worm' fixings from DIY store or better yet; a small piece of wood with a piece of string tied in the middle pushed carefully through the hole by the wires & use the string to pull it down on the ceiling until screwed to it then cut string. Sounds crude but has worked for me many times.
regards SPARX

[Susieh]

Thanks fro the piece of wood tip.... sounds like a good solution - we'll give it a go at the weekend.

SusieH