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I am intending to convert all the 12v recessed spots in my kitchen with 240v gu10 light units
I put the wiring in 20 odd years ago before the kitchen was plasterboarded. Thus some of the light units I cannot pull the cables thru to replace. The existing lights are wired up using the kit that came with them - basically 2 core 1mm flex ( no earth) from transformers ( 2 transformers for 9 lights on two switches)
It was originally 20 w halogens at 12 v
I am intending to go to 240v leds at 5 w
Is there any issues with just replacing the transformers with junction boxes and using the existing wiring? Obviously the current draw is going to be much less so from that point of view it should be safer but something just feels wrong about doing this
Thoughts?
It'll be fine if it is mains rated cable (240v and double insulated *), and your lights don't need an earth. Otherwise it'll need replacing, or stick with 12v LEDs
*if it was part of a kit that came with the lights it may not be
The new light units are metal and have an earth tag on them. the old ones were metal and had no earth terminal! the flex looks very much like the stuff you use from a ceiling rose to a bulb holder ie 2 core each core insulated then an outer sheath
There are spade terminals in the system as well. I think I had better replace the lot - some of the lights are in effect a radial circuit from the transformer
Botheration. I so wish I had not carefully clipped all the wiring to the joists before plasteerboarding!
Radial is fine, and normal for a lighting circuit, but you do need 3 core so replace the lot if you want to use those fittings. In fact, my top tip is four core cable for lighting. Let's you have a switch live and a permanent live for future proofing and flexibility.
The new fittings are fireproof ones which is why I am replacing them. The fussy electrician I use for the safety certificates insists on them even tho there is no flat above and I will need the safety certs for renting it out
A hours job is going to be days isn't it. 🙁
Depends how the joists run and the location of noggins. If you are lucky then a bit of fishing with some water pipe or similar will get the cable between holes.
Cant you use the existing cables to pull new cables.. In my opinion the cables need replaced even if there is no earth tab on the fittings themselves.. And use the new lights as junction boxes.
Unfortunately I cannot use the old wires to pull thru as they were carefully clipped to the joists and due to the complex shapes in the ceiling snaking them will be tricky
However as I pull the system apart I have found some heat damaged wiring - brittle insulation so the lot has to be changed
Ta chaps - I just needed really to talk it thru
Ruddy things! two holes cut into the ceiling, 2 of nine cables run. Huge mess in the kitchen, No skin left on my arms! What should have been a simple job I thought just changing the fittings is turning into a right headache.
Still -better I do it right I suppose!
Isn't that all DIY some properly?