Hello, I am trying to cover the light bulb like installing a casing or some sort but I can’t seem to find anything close enough.
Any suggestions besides changing the whole outlet into downlights
Thank you
Need Suggestions How to Cover The Light Bulb
OhNoUShiz on 30/09/2020 - 18:58
Comments
Thank you. It’s quite expensive for a single bulb. Is there cheaper alternative? Cheers
I think that's way too big. I think the PAR38 is the large ones you use on the outside of your house to light up a verandah or patio (the old 150watt globes). There should be a smaller one to suit the fitting, which is called a recessed downlight. The globe is probably a PARxx where xx is a smaller number than 38 :), something like 20 or 30. You probably want to measure the opening and the length (so it doesn't protrude past the face of the fitting) and then look for a bulb that suits.
so, for recessed downlight, will it be a change in the entire housing, yeah?
The existing housing is described as a recessed downlight (it sits in a hole or a recess, not on the surface, and points the light down). It takes a funnel-shaped bulb, usually screw-in ES type. Downlights are usually internally mirrored at the back of the globe to point the light in the other direction as there is nothing to light up behind, and to make the spotlight stronger. See GrannyKay response below, the bulb is probably called an R80 size, meaning 80mm across and 115mm deep. If that size fills your housing almost fully, it is the right size. They make other sizes but I think this one is pretty common. The one linked to is an old style incandescent light source, LED ones will cost a lot more. Might be worth a phone call to Bunnings or a lighting store. What is the size of the front opening in your existing fitting?
@endotherm: I just measured the outer ring of the fitting. Its about 10cm. The inner ring that sits into the roof cavity is about 8cm. I reckon the link given by GrannyKay is about right. The height should be fine too.
I am just wondering if there is an oyster light case that can also fit onto the outer ring, if you know. I have a young baby who is always looking straight into the light.
I am also trying to prevent any crawlies coming out from the roof cavity through the fitting as the globe i am using does not close up the gaps.
Thank you. Really appreciate your suggestions, and from others as well.
@OhNoUShiz: A slight gap is normal because these fittings were designed for the heat-generating bulbs of yesteryear, and was required for cooling. It vented to the roof space by design and there was a small gap, you had to be careful not to pile up roof insulation in the cavity to prevent a fire. Even with new LEDs, they still generate heat, but nowhere near as much. Less gaps can be tolerated. Bugs will find another way in even if you close it off entirely. They will avoid it when it is on or hot.
There is nothing to stop you having a large oyster light fitted over the hole and having the power re-routed. It would cover the hole, provide diffusion and would take standard bulbs. Or you could install a dimmer into the light switch. Both will require an electrician. If you just want to diffuse the light from it being too harsh, you can look around for smoky/etched glass in a ~80mm circle and place it over the opening and attach it somehow. They do make specialty diffusers and grilles etc for this type of thing but you will find they are relatively rare and might have to go to a specialty lighting place. If you are doing something DIY, make sure it can handle the heat — nothing flammable or meltable.
Or, you could get a pendant or fitting to go over the existing light and have it indirectly feed light into that. You could attach something like https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/bjaeresjoe-ceiling-lamp-white-8… over the light and attach it to the ceiling or fitting until bub grows up a bit. Ignore the light holder in the base (you might have to cut it out and just use the dome bit). As long as there is a hole to the existing fitting, the light will get through and it won't require any rewiring.
@endotherm: I am looking for something similar to this
https://www.amazon.com/JJC-Recessed-Dimmable-Certified-ETL-L…
But I can’t find it in Bunnings. All the Down lights are using plugs.
You could buy a square of diffusion material, cut it into a circle, and like just stick it on there.
Duct tape?
I've got what looks like the same fittings in my kitchen.
Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/philips-60w-es-r80-clear-floodli…Change the whole thing to LED downlight. 10% of the running costs.
The globe is LED globe. I reckon It should be efficient as any LED downlight. Yeah?
True.
If you are looking at fully covering the hole you could consider getting a downlight. Basically you isolate the electrics and remove the old one before clipping the new one over the top. Covers the holes and creepy crawlies. Getting appropriate lighting is your next issue.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-6w-tri-colour-dimmable-led…
If you are really concerned about your baby's eyes, you could maybe consider using a desk/floor light that diffuses the light across the ceiling. This stops the baby directly looking into the light when on the ground. We use the Ikea Ranarp lamp that points to the ceiling.
https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/ranarp-work-lamp-black-30331386…
Thank you for the Bunnings link. Noob questions probably dumb one too. Why is the down light using a plug? I am looking at this Amazon link US.
https://www.amazon.com/JJC-Recessed-Dimmable-Certified-ETL-L…
It is using Edison fitting for the led downlight. It seems easy to change it.
But I can’t find it in local Bunnings.
Yeah buy a larger bulb