Last weekend was small project time. Last winter, Harry and the EX helped me tear out the garage ceiling, install more insulation and install recessed LED lighting. I chose recessed lighting as the ceiling is short and I figured I would wipe out bulbs moving ladders or even gardening tools around. My choice was proven out as the EX managed to wack hanging light while installing insulation, resulting in a broken bulb. However, the lighting project couldn't be completed until sheetrock was installed, there have been incandescent bulbs hanging out of the canisters.
This summer, I hired a company to install the garage ceiling sheetrock so there was no reason the final install of the lights couldn't be completed except my own nervousness working with electical stuff.
With the cold weather, I figured the open canisters were probably letting a lot of cold air into the floor of the bedroom and craft room, so decided to figure out how to complete the wiring for the LED's, and close the holes up until it is time to finish the ceiling (not a very big priority). Plus, I had energy saver rebates for the LED's that I had to send in by the end of this month and I needed the UPC codes off the boxes.
So, I took the plunge and opened one of the LED light assembly boxes. There were only two parts to deal with, and the instructions were clear. The first step was to adjust the clamp springs for a 5" cannister, instead of the 6" cannister it was pre-set for. Loosen 2 screws, push in the tabs, tighten the screws up.
At this point, things were going so well, I figured I would screw something up somewhere and make it a much larger project than it should have been. Down in the garage, I unscrewed the lightbulb then installed the adapter, which just screwed right in where the bulb had come out of.
Then I made sure all the wires stayed on top of the light assembly, sqeezed the springs to fit into the brackets, slid the assembly up, and voila', I had a completed light install. Of course I tested to make sure the light came on before installing the other two assemblies.
I should have opened those boxes a long time ago and installed them. Really didn't know it would be that easy and no messing with wires.
I have found that those sorts of electrical installs are usually remarkably straight forward. The companies have clearly figured out that the average person doesn't want to hire out a little job, and the instructions are usually very clear. They look good!
Posted by: Ruth | December 06, 2014 at 10:06 AM
Bogie--To me, most of the problem of understanding instructions, these days, is due to lousy translation into English. Glad you didn't face that issue, and great to get that job off of your "to do" list!
Posted by: Cop Car | December 06, 2014 at 11:56 AM
P.S. Your electrician grandfather would be proud!
Posted by: Cop Car | December 06, 2014 at 11:57 AM