Ceiling spot lights advice sought

[akihonjames]

Hi all, new here and after some advice

I'm replacing ceiling plaster board with new and while doing that I want to put spot lights in.

I want to avoid turning off the electricity so was wondering if I could set up the cable runs for where the spot lights are to be fitted and using some sort of push connector could do the board replacement job, then cut for the spots and simply connect the spot wiring as I go without having to turn off and on the house electricity supply.

If that's dangerous or insane then forgive me but I'm after advice as I might have the board in place in a few weeks but the lights might take longer to complete so wanted to do as much of the job as possible

 

[Wayners]

I'd not connect anything without turning off power.
What's wrong with knocking off the power

 

[ericmark]

This is the problem with integral lamps, we always did have connectors, these

allowed one to change the bulb, by only turning off the light at the switch. However they do not include an earth, and only pendent lamps are permitted without an earth since 1966.

So the modern method used in offices is to have either lighting track above the suspended ceiling, or plugs and sockets, the 5 amp round pin plug and socket is used a lot, so one can go into the office lift the panel next to lamp, unplug lamp, remove the lamp panel and replace, and plug it back in while everyone in the office continues to work.

Clearly this method needs a suspended ceiling.

With a fixed ceiling this method is used

you can remove and fit lights where required without stopping work in the office, and change failed lamps, or reposition as work stations are moved around, the same method can be used for power, so whole desk can be plugged into the ceiling.

However offices are designed to work in, not look pretty, I would use this method in my kitchen, which is after all a room for working in, but not so keen to use it in the living room.

However GU10 bulbs really do need to be in some sort of pod, floors are dark and don't reflect light well, walls and ceiling do reflect light, so spot lights need aiming at light surfaces to spread the light, since I know little spot lights are in the main a silly way to light the room, since I don't want to be seen as stupid, I would not use non aimed spot lights except in special circumstances, as with light at top of my stairs. In this case, there is a relay, allowing centre, outer or all to light, it was not selected by me, I said I would not fit it, so wife got son to do it, but must admit it does look good.

 

[akihonjames]

I'd not connect anything without turning off power.
What's wrong with knocking off the power

Nothing really I was just after advice if it can be done and how I'd go about doing it.

 

[blup]

You can do the cable runs, install the cable, and mark the position of the downlight holes. Then drill the holes when the board is fitted, and connect up.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I want to avoid turning off the electricity so was wondering if I could set up the cable runs for where the spot lights are to be fitted and using some sort of push connector could do the board replacement job, then cut for the spots and simply connect the spot wiring as I go without having to turn off and on the house electricity supply.

As that is written I would say "No".