How to change the chandelier cartridge: step by step instructions

Any chandelier has a cartridge, into which a light bulb is directly screwed. In addition to fixing it, such an element participates in current transmission, and also performs several other functions. To it the plafond or lampshade, and also other possible decorative elements of the fixture is fastened.

It happens, you need to replace not only a bulb, but a chandelier cartridge. It is quite possible to cope with this task independently. Correct actions will help to restore the full functioning of the device. It is necessary to adhere to the rules of electrical safety in the work , as well as to perform all actions according to a certain scheme. The advice of professional masters will help to perform all the actions correctly.

Types of cartridges

Considering the technology, how to change a chuck in a chandelier, it is necessary to study the varieties of these devices for their intended purpose. According to the field of application, there are 3 types of devices presented.

The first species is marked as E14. Such cartridges are intended for illumination, for example, a microwave oven or a refrigerator. For small size in the people they are called minions. The highest current to which they are calculated is 2 A (about 440 W).

The second type is the chandelier for the E27 chandelier. This is the most common kind of similar products. The maximum current for which the devices are designed is 4 A (about 880 W). There are more powerful cartridges. They withstand a current of 16 A (approximately 3.5 kW). They are used for street lighting. Cartridges for this type of spotlight are marked E40. When choosing such products necessarily take into account their variety.

The cartridge assembly

Regardless of whether the chandelier for E14 or E40 chandelier is installed, its device will largely be identical. The difference between them is only in dimensions and some structural elements. Each cartridge consists of 3 main parts. The first of them is a sleeve with Edison thread. A light bulb is screwed into it. Also, the cartridge has a bottom and a ceramic insert. These elements transmit current to the lamp.

For this purpose the cartridge has 2 brass contacts on the plinth. Also there is a special bar with a thread. The central element of the cap is the phase. This minimizes the risk of human contact with the conductive elements of the cartridge. This increases the safety of its operation. This is a standard design. Wire is connected to it, due to which the presented device is activated.

Non-standard cartridge

Considering the technology, how to change a chuck in a chandelier, it is necessary to understand the device of non-standard type of products. They are much less common. The overwhelming majority of cartridges have the above principle. In non-standard varieties, it is somewhat more difficult to understand the device.

In such products can be screwed several bulbs at once. If you do not remember how the wires were located, you can not understand their connection. Therefore, when replacing a non-standard cartridge, the wires must be marked. On the bar there are places for connecting the wires. They are fastened in the right order. The phase and zero must be connected to the corresponding holes. Between them make a special jumper. Without it, subsequent lamps will not light if the first illuminator is not involved.

Assembling a simple cartridge

To understand how to properly connect a new cartridge, you need to understand the technology of its assembly. The ceramic plate is adjacent to the brass contacts. On its opposite side is a steel plate. It is fixed on the ceramic liner with a screw and nut.

This design not only serves as a latch, but also actively participates in the operation of the entire system. A chandelier holder with a nut and a screw through these elements conducts a current to the central contact. Grover is not required without fail. But his presence is welcome. And the screw must be tightened very tightly, because it transmits the current to the lamp. In the same way, a second plate of brass is connected. In this case, the central contact must be bent to the level of the conductors on the sides.

Connecting the wires

When connecting a chandelier for E27 chandelier with a nut, it is necessary to correctly connect the wires to the contacts. They need to be stretched through the bottom. On wires that are cleaned of insulation, make rings and fasten them to steel plates.

If the system is controlled by a stationary switch, the phase is led to the central contact. Before this, it is necessary to check the reliability of its fit. For this purpose, the lamp base is supported in the side conductors. The central (phase) contact must then bend at least 2 mm. If this does not happen, this element is corrected by lifting it slightly. Also, the selection of wires should be given sufficient attention. They must correspond to the total electricity consumption of the illuminator.

Expert advice

Considering how to replace the cartridge in the chandelier, it should be noted that for a simple device at this stage, the process ends. The body in the form of a cylinder is screwed into the space reserved for it. All the wires and connections hides this decorative element. The cartridge is ready to screw the lamp.

Professional electricians are advised to purchase cartridges in which wires are connected by means of terminals. This is a simpler and safer way to operate the device. In such a product, instead of a screw and a nut, a special cassette is installed. It has terminals to which wires can be connected very quickly. Experienced electricians claim that such devices have a longer service life.

Connection of chuck with clip

A chandelier holder with terminals has one minor drawback. This species can not be repaired. If you need to replace it, you will need to purchase the entire cartridge to resume the lamp. But all the work will take a minimum of time.

The body of clips and cartridge is made of plastic. This is a monolithic structure. Conductors are connected to the system through special clamps. They just tighten with a screwdriver. Their design makes it easy to replace the collapsible chuck. On sale are similar products such as E14 and E27. Therefore, they are mainly used for internal installation. It will be easier for a novice electrician to mount this kind of cartridge.

Screwless device

The most modern development is the screwless chandelier cartridge. It has special holes for the wire. Usually there are 2 pairs. A special spring mechanism tightly presses the wire through which it extends. The pairing system of clamps allows to connect in parallel lamps from a chandelier with several lighting devices. When using energy-saving lamps on such a device it is quite possible to connect 10 or even more electric consumers. A screwdriver with a flat staple must be removed from the clamp. Then the wire is inserted into the corresponding connector. After that, the screwdriver releases the brass spring. It will firmly hold the wire to the contacts.

A feature of such clamps is the requirement for lead wires. Stranded cable is difficult to connect to the socket intended for it. Therefore, a type of wire with a monolithic conductor is required. Sometimes manufacturers of chandeliers specifically provide for the presence of stranded wires. This allows you to easily put them in the clamp. This is the simplest type of cartridge. It will be much easier to change it. Its performance is significantly higher than other varieties. Therefore, this is one of the most preferred species to date.

Having considered what the chandelier cartridge is, you can replace the failed product yourself. Modern types of devices allow you to do this quickly and efficiently.