revtothelimit - motorbike forum

Ok, I wired in a light for the kitchen a while ago and it didn't work

So I bought a new bulb for it - still didn't work

Then I realised (somewhat late) that there are no metal bits where the bulb goes, so I'm guessing that's why it doesn't work

Sooo - do I have to bin the light unit or do you think I can buy the right bits??!!

Photo to show the bit where the bulb goes and I think there should be some kind of metal thingie there!! (And yes, I did fit it upsidedown -the switch is on the right when upside down!)

Got a picture of the lamp? Does it have two legs on it that slot into the holes? Have you got the wires the right way round? Can you confirm power to the light unit. Not wired via another switch is it?

You sure the lamp (bulb) is going in properly? Often once in you have to turn them 1/4 turn so they click into the metal bits (that you can't see?)

If it's not a new fitting don't piss about, just replace it rather than risk it.

I think the end caps are missing. I'm tempted to make a joke suggestion involving coat hangers but that's too risky.
Bin it and get a new fitting, they don't cost much and trying to bodge that will most likely end badly.

You put it up upside down, all the electricity will fall out. Stands to reason.

Wossname wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 11:26 pm You put it up upside down, all the electricity will fall out. Stands to reason.

Arse. She is down the south of France just before the hot bit. Closer to the equator so gravity works different dont it.

Mussels wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 10:39 pm I think the end caps are missing.

My thinking also. You chuck any odd looking bits away with the box. If this is a standard strip light it will have two pins sticking out each end that slit into a groove and twist into position like Martian is saying.

It looks like there's a copper prong inside the slots, which can't reach the bulb to power it. The outer cover (diffuser) has copper tabs that insert into the holes whilst touching the bulb and complete the circuit

It's probably so you don't get electrocuted by touching both ends of the tube as you insert it. Like this Spam



If you upgraded to an LED tube it might not work (polarity), until you flip it so each metal tip goes a different end of the holder.

RISK OF FIRE/DEATH (just bin it lol):
If the cover is missing and you really had to, you could solder wire and spade terminals (or partly insulated strip of metal) to the ends of the bulb to insert it in the slots. Then put large pieces of heat shrink (or liquid/insulation tape) over the tube ends and exposed live metal parts.

So it doesn't work without the diffuser in place? Now.....I wonder.....?

Mussels wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 10:39 pm I think the end caps are missing. I'm tempted to make a joke suggestion involving coat hangers but that's too risky.
Bin it and get a new fitting, they don't cost much and trying to bodge that will most likely end badly.

I know I'm daft, but even I wouldn't mess with bodging this!! LOL

Wossname wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 11:26 pm You put it up upside down, all the electricity will fall out. Stands to reason.

Felix wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 12:51 am

Mussels wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 10:39 pm I think the end caps are missing.

My thinking also. You chuck any odd looking bits away with the box. If this is a standard strip light it will have two pins sticking out each end that slit into a groove and twist into position like Martian is saying.

Not new - it's one that someone took out of the bathroom here and I kept, just in case!! LOL

The Martian wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 10:34 pm You sure the lamp (bulb) is going in properly? Often once in you have to turn them 1/4 turn so they click into the metal bits (that you can't see?)

If it's not a new fitting don't piss about, just replace it rather than risk it.

Definitely no clicking possible!!





But -

TightRS wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 1:42 am

It looks like there's a copper prong inside the slots, which can't reach the bulb to power it. The outer cover (diffuser) has copper tabs that insert into the holes whilst touching the bulb and complete the circuit

This is the right answer!! I am such a muppet!!

The inside of the cover looks like this - so yes, the connector is in the cover!!




When I looked at the other end (not sure it shows well in this pic) the copper was folded over




So I straightened it out and -

TightRS wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 1:42 am RISK OF FIRE/DEATH (just bin it lol):
If the cover is missing and you really had to, you could solder wire and spade terminals (or partly insulated strip of metal) to the ends of the bulb to insert it in the slots. Then put large pieces of heat shrink (or liquid/insulation tape) over the tube ends and exposed live metal parts.

I kinda think you are mean! But helpful! LOL I just wouldn't mess around with a bodge!! I may be a bit of a muppet sometimes but I really do want to stay alive to enjoy my place, not fry myself in it


Well chuffed that the light now works. Kicking myself for buying a lamp I didn't sodding well need LOL

Yay!

Blimey, you fixed it!

Why have you a cable emerging from a tile?

But 50 (wo)man points for fixing it.

I've learnt something today, never seen one like that before.

If only more people would keep their Sharpe kitchen knives next to unprotected live cables, the world would be a safer place.

Thread needs a 'phew' emoticon.

A wee bit of trunking to cover those wires would definitely not go amiss.... please!? It really makes the ex IOSH Rospa H&S Manager in me scream and run around in little circles clucking maniacally... Not a pleasant sight, but better than you accidentally nick the live wire and fry the circuits. Get this stuff - cheap and works. https://smile.amazon.co.uk/D-Line-Decor ... 683&sr=8-6