Baffie wrote:
Hi,

I got myself some nice low voltage halogens that I want to fit in an
upstairs room that's converted to an office.
... .snipped
I've thought of fixing either metal or plastic 250mm pipe (about 300mm
high) around the fittings to keep back the insulation but during the
'top up' next week I was going to temporarily cover the pipe to stop
insulation getting in (it's loose stuff being 'sprayed' into the loft
space) remembering of course to remove to covers once it's done.

.... snipped
I made some simple 5-sided covers out of plasterboard - quick, cheap and
effective.

--
Dave S
(The return email address is a dummy)

In article , Baffie
writes
Hi,

I got myself some nice low voltage halogens that I want to fit in an
upstairs room that's converted to an office.

there's about 100mm of insulation in the loft overhead, but that is
being increased to about 200mm next week, the instructions for the
lights recommend that a clear space of 75mm is required around the
light for safety/heat dissipation.

I've thought of fixing either metal or plastic 250mm pipe (about 300mm
high) around the fittings to keep back the insulation but during the
'top up' next week I was going to temporarily cover the pipe to stop
insulation getting in (it's loose stuff being 'sprayed' into the loft
space) remembering of course to remove to covers once it's done.

Is there a better way? what would you guys recommend?

Please reply to the newsgroup - it's not my email address in the header!!

I used flowerpots over mine, not plastic ones... the lights don't need
an open space above, most of the installations are into confined spaces.
--
David

Baffie wrote:
'top up' next week I was going to temporarily cover the pipe to stop
insulation getting in (it's loose stuff being 'sprayed' into the loft
space)

Are you sure you want to do that? I have it, courtesy of the previous
owner. Horrible stuff; gets everywhere. Also:
http://tinyurl.com/3zm6m

Is there a better way? what would you guys recommend?

Try searching the archives of uk.d-i-y: this topic comes up about
fortnightly and every conceivable method has been covered!
http://groups.google.co.uk/advanced_...&lr=&scoring=d

David

Rolls Royce Job

Bought some stainless steel coffee/tea canisters from pound shop, along with
mesh lid thingies that are used over frying pans to stop fat splatter.
Throw away lids from canisters.
Grind off "bottoms" of canisters.
Cut circle of mesh a bit bigger than canister bottom and form over.
Stick edge of mesh to canister top with super glue, then tile adhesive as it
was handy.
Cut notch in bottom edge of canister in one place for light cable - make
sure no sharp edges.
When adhesive dried, stick in place over fitting using plumber's mate to bed
and locate bottom edge of canister and seal cable entry.

Advantages:

Look good if you turn the "Tea" logo to the back - yes I know no-one but me
will see them.
Fine mesh allows light and heat into loft space without letting creapy
crawlies and debris into room below (important in my case as the room in
question was bathroom).
Sealing with plumber's mate also helps keep out unwanted visitors.
Low cost - £8 total

Disadvantages:

Takes a bit longer than throwing a few plant pots up there.
Had to find canisters of suitable size for light fittings - my fittings are
angle and rotation adjustable and are therefore "taller" above ceiling than
cheaper fixed alternatives.


HTH


Phil

TheScullster wrote:

Bought some stainless steel coffee/tea canisters from pound shop, along with
mesh lid thingies that are used over frying pans to stop fat splatter.
Throw away lids from canisters.
Grind off "bottoms" of canisters.
Cut circle of mesh a bit bigger than canister bottom and form over.
Stick edge of mesh to canister top with super glue, then tile adhesive as it
was handy.
Cut notch in bottom edge of canister in one place for light cable - make
sure no sharp edges.
When adhesive dried, stick in place over fitting using plumber's mate to bed
and locate bottom edge of canister and seal cable entry.

I just used these instead of your coffee tins:
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...96134&id=15872
(you get two or three lights-worth per 1.49 length, depending on
insulation depth

Advantages:

Sealing with plumber's mate also helps keep out unwanted visitors.
Low cost - £8 total

Disadvantages:

snip
and plumber's mate gets bored, and keeps on asking for cups of tea

David