Proof of concept

Eighteen months ago we bought a job lot of high bay lamps. We intend to suspend 5 of these from the cruck frames (3 in the bedroom and 2 over the stairwell). The lamps need refurbishing and rewiring. I experimented with one to workout what exactly was required.

I took the gear housing apart; removed the ballast and ignitor (not required with 'regular' light bulbs); gave the housing a good clean; rewired the lamp holder and reassembled the housing. I wired the lamp holder to UK regs which specify that the live wire should go to the central pin (on the continent they use 2 pin plugs which can be inserted into sockets either way and so live can be either the central pin or the outer screw thread!) The lamp holder was E40 (Goliath Edison Screw, GES) E40 bulbs can be obtained but are a higher wattage than we require and are more expensive. Most E40 to E27 converters are bulky and extend the socket. So I was pleased to find these Fastconlights E27 to E40 Metal heat-resistant adaptors which fit snuggly inside the existing thread.

I attached the reflector to the housing gear, suspended the light from the balcony and plugged it in. And there was light! The higher the lamp is hung the greater the surface area that is illuminated. These Hilclare Alta fittings are designed for 6 - 12m mounting height. Here the lamp is around 2m above the floor.

#strawbalehouse #strawbalewoodlands #lighting #lamps