The Best Way To Connect Recessed Downlights- Push Fit JCC 7Watt LEDs

gazza — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 23:00:00 +0000

gazza Tue, 17/09/2013

I'm always keen to find easier ways to do various aspects of electrical work. As an electrician I've spent many hours terminating cables which often involves tightening screws and have generally thought that this was the best method for the job.
Screw type terminals are 'tried and tested' and feature in most electrical accessories from dist boards to light switches, but now I'm coming across more and more light fittings which use push type connectors.
I may be 'old school' but when I'm faced a push-fit electrical terminal I'm very wary of wether it is up to the job. I must say that Wago connectors are an exception. A quality product which I like to use, but generally most light fittings the push types are not good. I've too often had a cable pull out of the connection after only the slightest movement and sometimes I've discarded them altogether.
Installing recessed downlights can be rather a chore especially when you're undertaking the monotonous task of connecting dozens of them at a time. On a recent job I used JCC Fireguard 7 watt LED (JC94172) downlights with integral driver. I was very sceptical when I found that they used push fit terminals and was considering changing them for something else. But I'm glad I didn't because despite my preconceptions I was very pleasantly surprised at how they 'actually worked' and made the job much quicker.
Once you've cut all your holes and figured out a good installation procedure, which includes exactly how long to cut each cable core, the push fit connectors can make the down lights very easy to install:
1- Pre-cut each cable core to the correct length
2- Ease off the screwless lid and cable clamp
3- Sleeve the Earths and push the LN&Es into the connector
4- Push on the ratchet type cable clamp and click shut the lid
That's it. Job done and the best part is 'no screwing'!
I did experiment a bit and found that the connecting the earths could be made a little easier (as they are a smaller diameter and sometimes folded back) by leaving them about 25mm long and pushing them home last of all with a pair of long nose pliers.
I'd never thought I'd say this but if you're using a light fitting with quality push type connectors, like the JCC 7watt LEDs, then that's the best way to connect recessed downlights. I do wonder, why don't more manufacturers use this connection method?

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JCC94172