Connecting Lighting? Handy Tips!
Are you currently connecting lighting, or about to start? We have a number of handy tips for you to keep in mind. Are you extending or renovating your home? Then you'll often need new lighting. But what exactly should you consider when purchasing and installing new lighting? It often seems simple: just install a few sockets, dimmers, and lamps. But in practice, this can sometimes be quite challenging. In this blog, we advise you on what to take into account.
Supplies needed before you connect lighting
Before you can connect lighting and/or sockets, you must, of course, have the right supplies. Below is a brief list of all the supplies you will need.
- Wire & cable (Brown/black, Blue, Yellow/green.)
- Splicing connectors (to connect cables to the lighting)
- Switching material or LED dimmer (if you don't have one yet)
- Junction box (required if you don't have wires in the ceiling/wall yet)
- Conduit pipes (required if you don't have wires in the ceiling/wall)
- Voltage tester
- Wire stripper
So, please check carefully what you might need. Of course, with existing wiring, you won't need everything.
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| Wire & cable | Splicing connectors | Switching material |
Wiring & power
Is there already wiring present that can be switched at the location where you plan to install the lighting? If not, you will need the supplies listed above. Many homes have wiring available next to the front door. You can mount a wall lamp here, for example. However, in many cases, this wiring has a continuous power supply. If you want to switch or dim the lighting, you will need to adjust the wiring and install a switch.
Installing wiring sounds simple, but it is often more complex than you think.
Because when there are no cables present to connect the lighting, you will have to install new wiring between the meter box and the lighting. So if you're not entirely sure, we recommend hiring an electrician.Cutting slots in the wall
When no wiring is present yet, ask yourself, "can this wiring be relatively easily placed in the correct spot?" If this is not possible, it will have to go through the wall, which is of course not a problem. However, you must take into account that slots will need to be cut to accommodate the wiring. This will need to be plastered over afterwards, which involves extra work and costs.
Helpful tips to keep in mind!
Below are a number of helpful tips to keep in mind when you want to purchase or connect a certain type of lighting.
- Recessed spotlights: Check the cut-out size and the installation height of the spotlight.
- Pendant lights andsurface-mounted spotlights: Check the dimensions of the central junction box; does the ceiling plate cover the central junction box?
- Wall lights: Check the connection in the wall to ensure the wall light fits over it.
- Dimming lighting: Do you want to dim the lighting? Replace the current switch with an LED dimmer. Keep the maximum wattage of the dimmer in mind.
- Track lighting: A track system is often very slim/thin. It often does not fit over a central junction box. Order a separate cover plate for the central junction box.
- LED Strips: These often cannot be connected directly to your home's wiring. A transformer is required for this; can it be concealed?
- Individual light sources: Check the fitting of your existing or new lamp(s). Do you want to dim the light? Then purchase a dimmable bulb.
- Cabinet lighting: Often, there is 12-volt lighting under the kitchen cabinets. When you replace this with LED lighting, you will also need to replace the transformer. Please keep this in mind!
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| Recessed spotlights | Wall lights | Track lighting |
Lighting installation, step-by-step guide
Step 1: Safety first, ensure the area where you are working is de-energized by switching off the main switch or circuit breaker. Use a voltage tester to verify that there is no longer any voltage.
Step 2: Organize the wires, pull the wires from the central junction box and connect them to the terminal block if necessary.
Step 3: Mount the lamp bracket: secure the bracket to the ceiling with screws. This bracket is usually supplied with the lamp.
Step 4:Strip the wires: strip the lamp's wires so they are long enough to connect properly.
Step 5: Connect the lamp's wires: loosen the terminal block and connect the lamp's wires. Ensure the wires make full contact with the copper part inside the terminal block and tighten the screws securely.
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Wire colours:
Blue = N
Black = L
Yellow/green = Earth symbol
There is usually a sticker near the connection point indicating which wires should be connected to which terminal.
Step 6:Attach the lamp to the ceiling mount the lamp onto the bracket with the provided screws.
Step 7:Place the bulb in the fitting
Step 8:Turn on the power and switch the main switch or circuit breaker back on to enable the power supply.
Step 9: Test the lamp check with a switch or dimmer if the lamp is working correctly.
Questions about connecting lighting?
Hopefully, we have explained as clearly as possible what you need to consider when purchasing/mounting and installing lighting. If there are any uncertainties that we have not covered in this blog article, feel free to contact one of our lighting experts without obligation.They will be happy to help you!
