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How to replace Vexatious recessed ceiling light?

First of: I am getting an electrician in to fix this amongst a bunch of other skilled electrician tasks. I do however need advice on hardware to buy. The recessed LED pictured here consistently keeps dying. I am sick of it, and want to change back to an old-fashioned E27 batten holder with a nice OPEN shade, because those ones I can easily change myself without getting an electrician in. The problem is, there is already a hole in the ceiling that is at least 5.5cm in diameter. Including that silver trim around the stupid "die every few months" light takes it to 8.5cm in diameter. I am really not sure how big that hole is, and I need to find a batten holder wide enough to cover that hole without paying for a plasterer as well. Or is that a non-issue for a skilled electrician?

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @MaxBrenner,

A standard E27 batten holder has a base of around 66mm, with mounting screws closer to the 50mm mark. Since your existing hole is roughly 55mm across, the screws may not have enough ceiling to grip. In that case, your electrician might suggest patching the hole so the batten holder has something solid to fix to, or using a cover plate that can span the gap. They might be able to mount the batten holder directly, depending on the condition of the ceiling, but some patching is often the simplest way to get a neat finish.

It’s also worth noting that those LED downlights should last for several years, not fail every few months. If you’ve already tried swapping the light with a different brand and the same problem happens, then the transformer or driver is likely faulty. In that case, having your electrician replace the transformer and fit a more reliable downlight could be a more straightforward solution than changing the whole fitting.

Let me tag @CSParnell and @MikeTNZ for their thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

MaxBrenner

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57254#Comment_57254

Thank you. I actually have a small, light open glass shade that I'd like to use here, which will be relocated from a bedroom ceiling. And 1-2 watt G45 LED bulbs are now available, so I can leave the light on 24/7 over the dark corridor while remaining indifferent about energy usage LOL.

MaxBrenner

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57254#Comment_57254

So basically, if I bought this cover plate (https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-70mm-downlight-conversion-plate-for-existing-85-130mm-cutout_p4380414) and a standard E27 batten holder, an electrician can install it for me, without having to call in a plasterer as well? If you can confirm this is the case, I will run out to Bunnings and buy those products now. So sick of that recessed light LOL.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90926#Comment_90926

I don't think that would work, @MaxBrenner. That plate converts an 85-130mm cutout into a 70mm hole, suitable for 70mm downlights. The current hole is likely around 70mm.

I would probably contact a couple of electricians, send them a picture of the downlight and ask them what it would take to fit a baton in this same location. I would presume most would want to install the new baton on fresh plasterboard next to the existing light. You'd then need to fill the hole left by it. They might be able to come up with a way to install directly in the same spot.

If you'd like to attempt to fill the hole yourself, there are these convenient plaster repair kits with everything you need. Here's a helpful guide: How to repair a hole in a wall.

Mitchell

MaxBrenner

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111405#Comment_111405

I think I may have found a 111mm batten holder for the job. With this item, do you think I can ask the electrician to secure the screws of the battenholder to a piece or two of plywood placed above the existing approximately 700mm hole in the ceiling? Does this make sense? Maximum weight of the batten holder + glass shade + bulb would be 500g, if that. ANYTHING to avoid the cost and inconvenience of a second trade to patch holes.

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MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123127#Comment_123127

That's really a question you'd need to run by the electrician @MaxBrenner. It certainly sounds like a possibility, but depending on the electrician, they might only want to install on new ceiling plaster.

Mitchell

MaxBrenner

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130805#Comment_130805

Thank you! So grateful that I can finally list my string of little electrical jobs on Airtasker for a licensed electrician now. Just needed to get this sorted out practically so I know what to ask for. So I don't ask for something dangerous or impossible to be done LOL.

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