Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - how to replace a light that left a big hole?
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luckydriver
07-08-09, 10:53 AM
Above my sink is a very old fluorescent fixture that hasnt worked in years. I do realize there's a chance at fixing it if it's just the ballast but for a moment, assume it cant be fixed. It's aged anyway and could use replacement.
I didnt measure it but it's probably 20 x 8 or thereabouts. The frame pulls down then you reach in with your fingers and push 4 clips tighter in order to allow the cover to drop. A while ago i did remember to look at home depot and there was nothing like it (shape wise). I dont even know if a lighting specialty store would have a direct replacement
So i was wondering, assume i find some fixture (others on this board have suggested LED for outside so i may look for inside lights that are LED as well) that i like, how do you make it fit?
For instance, assume i found a nice can lighting, i now have a rectangular hole to deal with (this would apply with even any other light shape though) . The only thing i could think of was cut a piece of wood to match the existing hole, then mount the light in that new wood, then use wooden brackets and have the brackets up inside the ceiling and just screw them with one end on the new board and one end on the existing structure to hold it fast.
but that sounds a bit complicated. So what am i missing here..there has to be an easier way to fill in such a big hole if need be. Removing the entire 5ft board is out of the question though, i'm doing enough projects around the house i dont have the inclination to touch more than this in the kitchen at this time.
Edit: if anyone has any idea what kind of LED watts i'd need id like to hear it. I had 2 15 watt bulbs in there before and it was fine and it's just to illuminate the sink area...about 3-4 ft wide. I have under counter lights if i need further lighting away from the sink. (which i may switch to LED also but at under 4 bucks a year to light may not be worth switching out)
I didnt measure it but it's probably 20 x 8 or thereabouts. The frame pulls down then you reach in with your fingers and push 4 clips tighter in order to allow the cover to drop. A while ago i did remember to look at home depot and there was nothing like it (shape wise). I dont even know if a lighting specialty store would have a direct replacement
So i was wondering, assume i find some fixture (others on this board have suggested LED for outside so i may look for inside lights that are LED as well) that i like, how do you make it fit?
For instance, assume i found a nice can lighting, i now have a rectangular hole to deal with (this would apply with even any other light shape though) . The only thing i could think of was cut a piece of wood to match the existing hole, then mount the light in that new wood, then use wooden brackets and have the brackets up inside the ceiling and just screw them with one end on the new board and one end on the existing structure to hold it fast.
but that sounds a bit complicated. So what am i missing here..there has to be an easier way to fill in such a big hole if need be. Removing the entire 5ft board is out of the question though, i'm doing enough projects around the house i dont have the inclination to touch more than this in the kitchen at this time.
Edit: if anyone has any idea what kind of LED watts i'd need id like to hear it. I had 2 15 watt bulbs in there before and it was fine and it's just to illuminate the sink area...about 3-4 ft wide. I have under counter lights if i need further lighting away from the sink. (which i may switch to LED also but at under 4 bucks a year to light may not be worth switching out)
Tolyn Ironhand
07-08-09, 03:56 PM
Most likely there will be Sheetrock or plaster behind the fixture until you get to the J-box which will only be 4" at the largest. I have never seen the wall finish cut around a light in a home. (unless it was a hack job) So, if you take the light down you should have very little repairing to do other than a few small screw holes and paint. If you do like the light, I can pretty much guarantee that it can be repaired or even upgraded to better, brighter, more energy efficient light.