Mend > Lighting

Ceiling Spotlights?

I have changed the bulb in a recessed spotlight, but the recessed part of the light has gone inside the ceiling behind the plasterboard. Is there an easy way to get this out, there are two retainer clips but I'm unsure whether these are supposed to remain behind the plasterboard or not as the light is a completely sealed unit.
I am unable to see anyway to get the recessed part of the light through the hole in the plasterboard to fix the bulb part and cover the it before return it to the hole - the light was already fitted when I brought the house.

Curly
December 2008

D.I.Y, Lighting Light Inside Easy

Is the light fitting in a loft or in a floor? If it is in a loft it can easily be refitted from above; if it is in a floor, then you might have to open up a floorboard or panal above to get to it. You can precisely locate the fitting and use a small circular saw to make a hand-sized hole in the floor. Use an electrical/metal detector and make sure the circular saw blade is set at a safe depth i.e, no more than the thickness of the board or panal. Take you time, and be careful.

David
August 2009

Is the fitting broken? What you call "the recessed part" should be attached to the bezel which goes underneath the ceiling, with the spring clips holding it all in place.
If the fitting is broken and loose above the ceiling you may need to disconnect it and push it out of the way so you can install a new one - I would say it's better to leave it where it is than risk damaging the ceiling.

Adam
January 2009