Light sources of any type have a limited life. 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 only need to consider the design features of the lamp, the type of mount and know the basic principles of lamp installation.
Types of lamps for spotlights
In spotlights, all types of lamps are used - incandescent, LED, fluorescent, halogen. Recently, people give preference to energy-saving sources - fluorescent and LED.
The most famous and cheapest sources are incandescent lamps. They are a flask, 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, since 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 lamps. Their service life is higher, and the cost is about the same. Halogen devices also heat up, so it is not recommended to use them in a stretch ceiling.
Fluorescent bulbs consume less electricity than previous devices, which is why they are called energy-saving. Devices give high efficiency, good luminous flux. They can be used on a stretch ceiling, as they do not heat up. Among the disadvantages, the presence of mercury vapor in the composition can be distinguished.
The most modern and promising solution are LEDs. These semiconductor devices have many advantages - a long service life (about 50,000 hours), minimal electricity consumption, safety, environmental friendliness, and the absence of ripples. There is only one drawback - high cost, but it is gradually decreasing. If you calculate how many lamps of another type will be required to compare with one LED, you can see that the diodes will be a better buy.
Frequent replacement of bulbs can cause damage to the base and its failure. This is another reason why it is better to give preference to LEDs.
How to remove a light bulb from the ceiling
The luminaires are not fixed in the stretch ceiling, but mainly. The spot frame is installed to the main ceiling, only the decorative part is located on the canvas. The cartridge is fixed on the frame or hanging on the wire, the bulb itself is fixed in the lamp.
Replacing a light bulb in a suspended ceiling must be carried out in compliance 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 the MR16 fixtures;
- pull out the lamp carefully without damaging the stretch ceiling.
To work, you need the following tools:
- steady step-ladder;
- indicator screwdriver;
- pliers;
- flat and Phillips screwdriver;
- stationery knife;
- terminals.
The first stage of the process is the mandatory power outage in the distribution panel. It is necessary 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 - the platform and the lamp itself. A lighting device is held on the platform. A decorative ring is displayed on the ceiling canvas, which also performs the function of holding the film from tears. Lamps for fixtures are different. They can have a familiar look - a flask and a socle, or be built into the case, which removes heat. If the light source is a single unit with the body, everything changes together. If the lamp is inserted into the housing, only the bulb with the cap is replaced.
How to remove the LED bulb from the suspended ceiling:
- Carefully remove the support ring. It can be picked up with a special antennae.
- To get the lamp, you need to squeeze the inside of the spring and pull it down.
- Remove the fixture from the damaged lamp and unscrew it.
- Strip insulation and disconnect wires.
- Carefully read the instructions for the new light source.
Then you can proceed with the installation of a new lamp and the reassembly of the chandelier.
Types of socles
How to remove an LED lamp from a stretch ceiling depends on the type of cap and how it is fixed. There are 3 types of lamps used:
- Threaded. They are designated by the letter E. In Russia, socles E14, E27, E40 are used. To remove such a lamp is simple - you need to hold your fingers at the bulb and twist it counterclockwise.
- Pin base G. The pins have the function of attaching and supplying electricity to the lamp. Emitters with direct contacts are easy to remove - just pull the device towards you. Products with a thickening at the ends must first be turned counterclockwise by 20 degrees, then removed from the case.
- Bayonet V. Such socles in Russia and Europe are used only in vehicles. Got by turning counterclockwise.
Each of the types of socles is divided by diameter and method of fixation. This must be considered when buying a new emitter.
Installing a new light bulb
You need to put a new source in the reverse order. Depending on the type of cap, the bulb is inserted into the lamp.
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 securely fix it.
Expert Advice
When performing work on replacing broken lamps, you need to remember a few nuances:
- replacing the source in a suspended and suspended ceiling is similar, the scheme is the same;
- if a halogen lamp is installed, it can only be changed with gloves - greasy traces can damage the flask;
- if in the same place the bulb burns out more often than the others, the problem is 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;
- during power surges, screw bases can be welded to the cartridge and not pulled out - then the flask needs to be glued with tape and more effort is needed 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 power.
It is not recommended that you replace the lamp yourself if the wiring is damaged. In this case, it is better to call the master. Also, specialist assistance is needed if the new lamp does not fit in size or shape to the installed mortgage.
Precautionary measures
When working with electricity, it is important to observe safety precautions. Electric shock when exposed to humans can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to turn off the power supply to the apartment before installation.
All work must be carried out with gloves and glasses in a convenient and safe place. You can not 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 errors during installation and dismantling include:
- Replacement with power on. Such a mistake cannot be made, it can lead to serious injuries.
- An attempt to change the lamp immediately after turning off the light. Even the LED sources may get a little warm, so you need to wait until they cool.
- Selecting an emitter with the wrong base.
- Touching a halogen lamp with bare hands. There will be fat marks on the source, due to which the flask may crack.
- Use of bulbs of greater power. This problem is especially relevant for halogen lamps. GU5.3 base poorly contacts lamps above 40 W, therefore it is better to use fluorescent or LED sources. It is not recommended to put lamps with a power above 35 watts 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, have flicker. It is better to purchase a lighting device from well-known companies.
Spotlights for a stretch ceiling perform 2 functions - lighting and decorative. In such devices, LED bulbs are used to save energy and money. They are distinguished by a 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 turning to a specialist for help. To do this, follow the replacement instructions and do not violate safety rules.
