How to replace an LED lamp in a spotlight in a stretch ceiling

Light sources of any type have a limited lifespan. When it ends or the device burns out, you have to change the lamp to a new one. The process of replacing a luminaire for a stretch ceiling is simple, it can be done independently without the help of specialists. You just need to take into account the design features of the luminaire, the type of attachment and know the basic principles of lamp installation.

Types of lamps for spotlights

All types of lamps are used in spotlights - incandescent, LED, fluorescent, halogen. Recently, people are giving preference to energy-saving sources - fluorescent and LED.

The most famous and cheapest sources are incandescent bulbs. They represent a bulb, inside which there is a thread, which gives light when an electric current is passed through it. Sources with a filament are used less and less, as they heat up, consume a large amount of electricity, and have a short service life. Incandescent lamps are not suitable for stretch ceilings - when heated, they can deform the canvas.

Halogen products are more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Their service life is longer, and the cost is about the same. Halogen devices also heat up, so they are not recommended for use in stretch ceilings.

Fluorescent bulbs consume less electricity than previous appliances, which is why they are called energy saving. The devices provide high efficiency, good luminous flux. They can be used on a stretch ceiling, as they do not heat up. The disadvantages include the presence of mercury vapor in the composition.

The most modern and promising solution is LEDs. These semiconductor devices have many advantages - a long service life (about 50,000 hours), minimal electricity consumption, safety, environmental friendliness, and no ripple. There is only one drawback - the high cost, but it is gradually decreasing. If you calculate how many different types of lamps are required to equal one LED, you can see that diodes will be a better buy.

Frequent replacement of bulbs can damage the base and damage it. This is another reason why it is better to give preference to LEDs.

How to remove a light bulb from the ceiling

Luminaires are not fixed in a stretch ceiling, but mainly. The frame of the spot is installed to the main ceiling, only the decorative part is located on the canvas. The cartridge is fixed on the frame or hangs on a wire, the light bulb itself is fixed in the lamp.

Replacing a light bulb in a false ceiling must be carried out in accordance with four basic rules:

• use a stable ladder to remove the lamp;
• work with gloves and use a special tool;
• do not lose the stopper when replacing MR16 lamps;
• pull out the lamp carefully, without damaging the stretch ceiling.

To work, you need the following tools:

• stable stepladder;
• indicator screwdriver;
• pliers;
• flat and Phillips screwdriver;
• stationery knife;
• terminals.

The first stage of the process is a mandatory power outage in the switchboard. You need to check if there is current using an indicator screwdriver.

Before replacing, you need to understand the design of spots and bulbs. They consist of two parts - a platform and the lamp itself. A lighting device is supported on the platform. A decorative ring is displayed on the ceiling sheet, which also performs the function of keeping the film from tearing. Lamps for fixtures are different. They can have the usual look - a bulb and a base, or they can be built into the body, which removes heat. If the light source is one with the body, everything changes together. If the lamp is inserted into the housing, only the bulb with base is replaced.

How to remove an LED light bulb from a false ceiling:

1. Carefully remove the support ring. It can be picked up with a special tendril.
2. To get the lamp, you need to squeeze the springs inward and pull it down.
3. Remove the fastener from the damaged lamp and unscrew it.
4. Strip the insulation and disconnect the wires.
5. Carefully read the instructions for the new light source.

Then you can start installing a new lamp and reassembling the chandelier.

Base / plinth types

How to remove an LED lamp from a stretch ceiling depends on the type of base and the method of fixing it. Luminaires use 3 types:

• Threaded. They are designated by the letter E. In Russia, E14, E27, E40 socles are used. Removing such a lamp is simple - you need to hold the bulb with your fingers and twist it counterclockwise.
• Pin base G. The pins serve as an attachment and supply of electricity to the lamp. Emitters with direct contacts are easy to remove - just pull the device towards you. Products with thickening at the ends must first be turned counterclockwise by 20 degrees, then removed from the case.
• Bayonet B. Such plinths in Russia and Europe are used only in vehicles. Reached by turning counterclockwise.

Each of the types of plinths is divided according to the diameter and the method of fixation. This must be taken into account when purchasing a new emitter.

Installing a new bulb

You need to put a new source in the reverse order. Depending on the type of base / plinth, the light bulb is inserted into the luminaire.

In one-piece devices, you first need to press the spring against the base with your fingers, and then insert it into the platform ring. After that, you need to reinstall the decorative part and secure it securely.

Expert advice

When performing work on replacing broken lamps, you need to remember a few nuances:

• replacement of the source in the stretch and false ceiling is the same, the scheme is the same;
• if a halogen lamp is installed, it can only be changed with gloves - grease traces can damage the flask;
• if a light bulb burns out in the same place more often than others, the problem lies in the cartridge - it will have to be replaced;
• it is recommended to use the same type of light sources with a similar color temperature within the same room;
• in case of voltage surges, the screw caps can be welded to the cartridge and not pulled out - then the flask must be pasted over with tape and more effort must be made to remove it;
• you can make the light visually brighter using white LEDs;
• you need to buy lamps with the same base and pay attention to the power.

It is not recommended to replace the lamp yourself if the wiring is damaged. In this case, it is better to call the master. Also, the help of a specialist is needed if the new luminaire does not fit in size or shape to the installed mortgage.

Precautions

When working with electricity, it is important to observe safety precautions. Electric current when exposed to a person can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to turn off the power supply to the apartment before carrying out installation work.

All work should be carried out with gloves and goggles, in a convenient and safe place. You cannot change the light bulb using an uncomfortable and unstable stool or ladder. The process must be carried out carefully so as not to damage the canvas, ceiling lamp or electrical wiring.

Possible mistakes

The most common mistakes during installation and dismantling include:

• Power-on replacement. This mistake should not be made, as it can lead to serious injury.
• Attempting to change the lamp immediately after turning off the light. Even LED sources can get a little warm, so you need to wait until they cool down.
• Selecting a radiator with an unsuitable base.
• Touching the halogen lamp with bare hands. There will be traces of grease on the source, which can cause the flask to crack.
• The use of bulbs of higher power. This problem is especially relevant for halogen lamps. The GU5.3 base has poor contact with lamps above 40 W, so it is better to use fluorescent or LED sources. It is not recommended to install lamps with power higher than 35 W on stretch ceilings.

It is important to pay attention to the choice of lamp. You should carefully inspect the device for defects, check the strength of its parts. It is not recommended to buy cheap LED sources from unknown manufacturers. Such products can quickly fail, do not meet the declared characteristics, and have flickering. It is better to purchase a lighting fixture from reputable companies.

Stretch ceiling spotlights perform 2 functions - lighting and decorative. In such devices, LED bulbs are used to save energy and money. They are distinguished by long operating time, high brightness and efficiency, safety and reliability. But even with a long service life, the light bulb may break or burn out. You can replace it yourself without seeking help from a specialist. To do this, you must follow the instructions for replacement and not violate safety rules.