Who can do it
Electrical work in Queensland must be done by a licensed electrician, and DIY electrical work is illegal. Replacing a light fitting means connecting it to the house wiring, so it counts. That applies to pendants, batten fittings, downlights and chandeliers.
What the job involves
In general terms:
- Isolating the power to the circuit and checking it is off
- Removing the old fitting
- Checking the wiring and the ceiling fixing point are in good condition
- Fixing the new fitting securely and connecting it
- Restoring the power and checking the light and the switch work
The fixing matters as much as the wiring. A pendant or chandelier hangs from the ceiling for years, so the point it hangs from has to carry the weight. A heavy fitting may need more than the existing fixing, and that is worth asking about before you buy.
Before the visit
- The fitting, if you have already bought it, with its instructions and any box
- A photo of the existing light and the ceiling around it
- The ceiling height, and whether it is flat, sloped or a stairwell
- Whether the light is on a dimmer, and what bulbs the new fitting takes
- Whether you want it hung over a table or a bench, so the height can be planned
If you haven't bought it yet, ask before you do. A quick message can save you a fitting that doesn't suit the ceiling or the dimmer.
Other things we may spot
While the old fitting is down, an electrician sees the wiring above it. Brittle insulation, a scorched connection or a loose fixing is better found now. Anything extra is quoted separately, and you decide.
Getting it done
Every job is quoted. Send the details above through the quote form or call. More on this kind of work is on the lighting and power upgrades page.