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Property/DIY

sealed recessed lights in shower room - changing lightbulbs??

10 replies

BlueChampagne · 30/01/2013 12:41

The bulbs in two of the three recessed lights in the shower room have gone. However, they seem to be sealed and I have no idea how to open them! Cannot find how to prise off the cover, and any firmer efforts results in the whole light fitting coming down from the ceiling. Can anyone enlighten me? Seems a bit much to have to get an electrician to change a couple of light bulbs!

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andubelievedthat · 30/01/2013 17:06

as i cannot (obviously) see them , i do know they must ! be openable, so slow down , take a long close look at fitting , there will be perhaps very fine little clips that must be sprung , or a thin circular wire around fitting which must be removed , also ,if builder has fitted access hatch ,you may have to gain access from other side or ceiling>or perhaps they are a twist catch ?> it can be done , take another look , with the leckie off ! >hope this helps in some way.

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andubelievedthat · 30/01/2013 17:10

and , unlikely ? they may remove from the back off fitting ?

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PigletJohn · 30/01/2013 17:43

I am going to guess they have a round glass window with a metal surround. Press on this surround and try to turn it in an unscrewing direction. It may move about an eighth of a turn, then fall out. Rubber gloves will help your grip.

Otherwise go to some lighting shops until you recognise your lamp, then look at the package or instruction leaflet. Or maybe you can see the maker's name on the lamp. Perhaps you can find them here

BTW if an energy-saving lamp will fit, it will last for years.

If you attach a photo to your profile, someone might recognise it.

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specialsubject · 30/01/2013 18:51

p.s. be careful not to lose the clip. Some of them cannot be replaced and you then have to buy a new light fitting.

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BlueChampagne · 31/01/2013 11:49

Thanks for the advice. I have tried the rubber gloves PigletJohn and it did move a bit but didn't drop out. I'll have another go.

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NoraFatimaBuffet · 31/01/2013 15:54

Ours have two largish spring clips holding the whole light fixture into a hole in the ceiling - so from below you can't see the clips as they are sprung out into the ceiling void iyswim, the light is flush to the ceiling. To get them out I have to gently prise the edge of the fitting down away from the ceiling, then I can see the clip 'arms' and push them in to get the whole lot down. These 'arms' look a bit like the fold back arms on a bulldog clip if that's any help whatsoever

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nocake · 31/01/2013 18:28

If it's an enclosed light fitting with poor ventilation please don't use a CFL bulb. They aren't designed to operate at the temperatures you'll get inside an enclosed light fitting. The electronics can overheat and cause a fire.

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PigletJohn · 31/01/2013 19:00

I didn't know that

where did you hear it?

they run far cooler than incandescent lamps.

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PigletJohn · 31/01/2013 19:11

mmm

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hkalantzakos · 07/08/2017 15:03

I have a recessed light fixture which is a screw off type with a glass housing. I have tried to remove the glass frame but it is stuck. What can i do to loosen/unstick the fixture to access the light bulb to replace it - my other shower has the same fixtures although they are not stuck and have been replaced.
Please help

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