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Installing a ceiling light - what do I need to borrow?

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  1. #1

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    Firstly, turn off the electricity to that light. A flashlight will help.

    Other tools needed depend what kind of light you are installing. Is it heavy, plug and play, what hardware was included?

    Usually a stool to reach the light, screw driver, and electrical tape is good enough.

    imparanoic likes this.

  2. #2

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    Photos of the hardware pieces ?


  3. #3

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    You need twist wire connectors. Its not a good idea to resuse the old ones, unless they are of a certain type which I doubt you have.. See if the lamp box has any inside. Make sure to get the right size (see color of old). Turn off power to light and main power to your apartment before starting. Some electricans will also wrap the connector (to prevent loosening causing a short) when the wires are fastened.

    BTW I could train a monkey to do this. So don't be scared.


  4. #4

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMYq_a35ui4


    BTW you don't need a drill. Just do it by hand is good enough IMO.

  5. #5

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    Connector blocks are more common than the twist-together wire connectors in HK. I think the twist things are mainly American. Google "connector block", they are probably around $15 for a strip of blocks from any hardware store.

    You might need a drill, the mount holes for the Xiaomi are probably nothing like the existing light.

    Wire strippers (unlikely)

    Electrical tape (by rights everyone should have this at home anyway)

    Those green tubular plastic expanders that screws go into + a hammer or some blunt object to tap them into holes.

    Stud finder so you can figure out where the electrical wire runs, so you don't drill into it. Obviously the light should be off, and you should disable the circuit at the fuse box, but still.


  6. #6

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    When installing, do not stand in a puddle of water. And do wear rubber flip-flops.

    Joking aside this task should not be too difficult. Sure, be certain no energized wires in fixture.
    First remove old thing and take a look at situation. How to support new thing may be a question. Since new thing is probably very light weight current attachment may be OK but some kind of new ceiling grip may be needed.
    Once new fixture attached securely, hook proper wires together using twisters, or as i prefer, small connectors with screw tighteners..
    https://www.kooltech.co.uk/air-condi...-30-amp-pp2445

    Plz see photo of row of white connectors with two little screw heads, not any other color.

    available at most HK hardware shops. Choose med-small for your needs, v cheap but need small flat-headed screw driver. Small sharp knife to peel back insulation, about half inch. Once all wire ends correctly tightened down, can test lamp. If all OK, secure to ceiling and cover, etc. In HK all household voltage is 220V, very potent. In USA only half that voltage and less dangerous.

    Last edited by jobin; 17-09-2019 at 10:46 PM. Reason: Incorrect photo
    misshappy26 likes this.

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by jobin:
    Plz see photo of row of white connectors with two little screw heads, not any other color.
    AKA connector blocks
    imparanoic likes this.

  8. #8

    You need...

    a) hammer drill
    b) one concrete wedge anchor that fits the holes in your light
    c) drill bit that is the same size as your concrete anchor
    d) connector block
    e) electrical screwdriver that fits connector block
    f) ladder

    1) turn off fuse for that light
    2) take old light off and check which color cable went into which hole on the light, check for symbols, etc
    3) drill hole deep enough so wedge anchor get be secured (Youtube search how to install wedge anchor)
    4) tighten wedge anchor and make sure you can apply weight to it
    5) attach cables which may not be color coordinated. try to figure it out from looking at the previous light
    6) take nut off wedge anchor, attach light, screw nut back on
    7) turn fuse back on. if it blows, you attached the wrong cables

    No need for tape. Tape jobs suck.


  9. #9

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    You need .......















    to pay a handyman to do it for you!


  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by james_hklocal:

    to pay a handyman to do it for you!
    Well, username checks out

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