Any chandelier has a cartridge into which a light bulb is directly screwed. In addition to its fixation, a similar element is involved in current transmission, and also performs several more functions. A ceiling or lampshade is attached to it, as well as other possible decorative elements of the lamp.
It happens that not only a light bulb is required to be replaced, but also a cartridge for a chandelier. It is quite possible to cope with this task yourself. Correct actions will help restore the full functioning of the device. It is necessary to adhere to the rules of electrical safety in the work , as well as perform all actions according to a certain scheme. The advice of professional masters will help you complete all the steps correctly.
Types of cartridges
Considering the technology of how to change a cartridge in a chandelier, it is necessary to study the varieties of these devices for their intended purpose. According to the application, there are 3 types of devices presented.
The first type is marked as E14. Such cartridges are designed to illuminate, for example, a microwave oven or refrigerator. For their small size, they are called minions. The highest current for which they are designed is 2 A (about 440 W).
The second type is an E27 chandelier holder. This is the most common type of such products. The maximum current for which the presented devices are designed is 4 A (about 880 W). More powerful cartridges exist. They withstand a current of 16 A (approximately 3.5 kW). They are used for street lighting. Cartridges for this type of floodlight are marked E40. When choosing such products, their variety must be taken into account.
Cartridge device
Regardless of whether the cartridge is installed for the chandelier E14 or E40, its device will be largely identical. The difference between them is only in dimensions and some structural elements. Each cartridge consists of 3 main parts. The first of these is the Edison thread sleeve. A light bulb is screwed into it. The cartridge also has a bottom and a ceramic insert. These elements transmit current to the lamp.
For this, the cartridge has 2 brass contacts on the base. There is also a special threaded bar. The central element of the cap has a 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. The wires are brought to it, due to which the presented device is driven.
Custom cartridge
Considering the technology of how to change a cartridge in a chandelier, it is necessary to understand the device of a non-standard type of product. They are much less common. The vast majority of cartridges have the principle presented above. In non-standard varieties, understanding the device is somewhat more difficult.
Several products can be screwed into such products at once. If you do not remember how the wires were located, you can not figure out how to connect them. Therefore, when replacing a non-standard cartridge, the wires must be marked. On the bar there are places for connecting wires. They are attached in the correct sequence. 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 activated.
Simple cartridge assembly
To understand how to properly connect a new cartridge, you need to understand the technology of its assembly. Ceramic plate adheres to brass contacts. On its opposite side is a steel plate. It is fixed on the ceramic insert with a screw and nut.
This design not only performs the function of a latch, but also actively participates in the operation of the entire system. The chandelier holder with nut and screw through these elements conducts current to the central contact. Grover is not required. But his presence is welcome. Moreover, the screw must be tightened very tightly, because it transfers current to the lamp. A second brass plate is connected in the same way. In this case, the central contact must be bent to the level of the conductors on the sides.
Wire connection
When connecting the cartridge for the E27 chandelier with the nut, it is necessary to correctly connect the wires to the contacts. They must be pulled through the bottom. On the wires cleaned from insulation, rings are made and screwed to steel plates.
If the system will be controlled by a stationary switch, the phase is brought to the central contact. Before this, it is necessary to check the reliability of its fit. To do this, the lamp base abut against the side conductors. The central (phase) contact should bend by at least 2 mm. If this does not happen, this element is corrected, lifting it a little. Also, the choice of wires must be given sufficient attention. They must correspond to the total energy 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 case in the form of a cylinder is screwed into the space allotted for it. All wires and connections are hidden by this decorative element. The cartridge is ready for screwing in the lamp.
Professional electricians advise you to buy cartridges in which wires are connected using terminals. This is a simpler and safer way to operate the device. In this product, instead of a screw and a nut, a special cartridge is installed. It has terminals to which wires can be connected very quickly. Experienced electricians argue that such devices have a longer life.
Chuck connection with clamp
The chandelier holder with terminals has one minor drawback. This variety cannot be repaired. If you need to replace it, you will need to purchase the entire cartridge in order to resume lamp operation. But all the work will take a minimum of time.
The case of clips and the boss is made of plastic. This is a monolithic structure. Conductors are connected to the system through special clamps. They are simply tightened with a screwdriver. Their design makes it easy to replace a collapsible cartridge. Similar products of type E14 and E27 are on sale. Therefore, they are used mainly only for indoor installation. It will be easier for a novice electrician to mount this kind of cartridge.
Screwless device
The most modern development is considered a screwless cartridge for a chandelier. It has special holes for the wire. Usually 2 pairs are provided. A special spring mechanism tightly presses the wire that stretches through them. A pair of clamp system allows you to connect in parallel lamps from a chandelier with several lighting fixtures. When using energy-saving lamps, it is quite possible to connect 10 or even more electrical consumers to such a device. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to push the clamp back. Next, the wire is inserted into the corresponding connector. After that, the screwdriver releases the brass spring. She will firmly press the wire to the contacts.
A feature of such clamps is the requirement for lead wires. A stranded cable is difficult to lead into its intended socket. Therefore, a type of wire with a monolithic conductor is required. Sometimes manufacturers of chandeliers specifically provide for stranded wires. This allows you to easily bring them into the clamp. This is the simplest type of cartridge. Changing it will be much easier. Its performance is far superior to other varieties. Therefore, it is one of the most preferred varieties to date.
Having considered what constitutes a cartridge for a chandelier, you can independently replace a failed product. Modern types of devices allow you to do this quickly and efficiently.