How to remove 1990's downlight?

alanmxu64

The two metal clips are too strong to move the light out. How can I do? Thanks.

EricL

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

Please note that any electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician for safety and compliance.

Downlight clips generally work by either popping out of the sides or coming down to pull the lamp body tight against the ceiling. I suggest making sure that the lamp switch is off and the power to the location has been shut off on your fuse box. I propose using a wooden pencil to push the clip away from the body of the lamp and try to pull one side down and away from the ceiling. If you are successful with the first side, try the same technique on the other clip.

If the clip refuses to lift from the side its probable that it is a pop out clip. I suggest trying to put your finger behind the clip and pulling it towards the body of the lamp. While you have the clip pulled in try to pull the side of the down light downwards. Repeat the same method for the other side.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Evening @alanmxu64

@EricL has described exactly the same steps as I would be suggesting, right down to turning off the lights to the house at the fuse box (even the power, yes over cautious but ....)

From memory there are two springs holding those in place, if your run your fingers around the top of the gold rim you should feel them. Pretty much as Eric has descibed.

If you are switching the light fittings over to something more current then I would suggest to get a sparky to remove it and then install the new one when you are ready (terminate it for you to make safe if you are redoing ceilings ect) for you. It might cost a little more but your life and peace of mind plus insurance is worth a lot more.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @alanmxu64

Both @EricL and @Dave-1 have suggested the correct method for removing the light. You might want to run a blade around its edges first in case it's been painted in place. However, if your replacing this old incandescent downlight with a new one, I would leave the job to your sparky as they will also have a solution with an LED fitting with a wider brim to cover the much larger hole. new LED lights are around 90mm.

Nailbag

alanmxu64

Thank you very much, @Dave-1 @EricL

Do you guys know what the white ridged plastic piece in the fixture use for?

alanmxu64

Hi @Nailbag @Dave-1 @EricL

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm just curious as to why the 1990's downlights are so complex in construction, with all metal parts and a white plastic piece inserted on each side that I don't know what it's for.
I'm just in the process of DIY painting the ceiling.

Dave-1

Afternoon @alanmxu64

Id say its something to do with either heat mitigation or vibration of the globe to keep it in place?

Dave

MitchellMc

Hi @alanmxu64,

I'd agree with Dave-1 that if it is ceramic, it is likely a contact point against which the globe is designed to rest, possibly so it's centred in the fitting.

Mitchell

Nailbag

Hi @alanmxu64

It’s a ceramic heat insulator to reduce heat from the globe overheating the metal light fitting. It has no influence on the fitment if the housing to the ceiling.

Nailbag

alanmxu64

Hi @Nailbag @MitchellMc @Dave-1

You are all professionals. Thank you guys.