How to replace LED downlights?

[emmadave]

Some of my led diwnlights are starting to flicker I've checked and they are just plugged into a socket in the ceiling you can buy them at bunnings but it says on packaging must be installed by electrician but they have a plug on them surely I can just plug them in?

[MikeTNZ]

Hi @MitchellMc, @emmadave ,

I was reading a thing from the energy safety division in Australia.

Apparently, that warning must be attached to all electrical equipment, irregardless of how it connects to the mains supply.

Which in itself is quite cumbersome and I think people (consumers) have every reason to be confused.

What is more, is that the product is supplied with socket-outlets, normally, if you didn't have the socket-outlets already installed, you would hire

an electrician that would supply, install and test their own provided sockets.

I think by supplying the sockets with the product, it is inviting people to do their own electrical work, as it is cheaper to do so.

I had no idea that there was a blanket ban on ALL electrical work in Australia, this seems pretty heavy-handed, as here in New Zealand,

you can replace like-for-like switches and socket-outlets.

You can also install new circuits or relocate them, provided the house has new wiring in it and you must have an Inspector connect it at the switchboard.

We use the same voltage over here as Australia and even as a Fire Officer, I don't ever recall a DIY person ever causing either a fire or shock situation

to people in any given house in the last 20 years since the regulations were relaxed.

Sorry I will get off my soap-box now.

Mike T.

[bugs1dhjvjg]

How can you tell if the integrated LED is plug and play or wired? I don’t want to pull it out if I can’t fix the light. We got it free through the VIC Govt program maybe 10 years ago. 

 

[EricL]

Hello @bugs1dhjvjg 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your LED lights.

I'm currently unaware of a method to tell if the LED is hardwired or a plug in type just by looking at the front face. I'm afraid the only way to tell is to remove the light and look inside to see what type of connection the LED has. 

Let me call on our experienced members @CSParnell and @MikeTNZ for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[CSParnell]

@bugs1dhjvjg @EricL 

They look like integrated plug and play to me but saying that some of these also had the ability to hardwire direct into the terminals. Unfortunately the only way to know is to turn the lights off at the switch or at the breaker in the switchboard and pop one down and check. Fingers crossed they are plug and play. Sorry I can't be definate from a photo. 

[EricL]

Hello @emmadave 

Just to reiterate what @CSParnell has mentioned. In the interest of health and safety, please make sure that the light switch and breaker are in the off position when you check your LED connection. If it is hard wired, I suggest engaging the services of a licensed electrician to change your LED to plug in types. 

Eric