Advice on replacing spotlights above bed please

[Jimjo]

Hi - I’d like to change 2 12v led spotlights to new ones with usb points. I’ve dropped down the existing spotlights and the wires appear to be heat sealed. Can I just cut these and connect new lights with wire connectors or is it best to use the heat sealed connectors. Thanks. Pic below of existing connection

 

[Cush]

I think those are crimped rather than heat sealed. Should be fine to fit and join with another appropriate jointer. They may have used the allow allow one?

I’ll be interested to see what you go with as a replacement light. I tried but need to get something to cover the “gap” as my old 2003 unit has a bigger base than anything I can find and would look unsightly.

edited - hollow alloy not “allow allow” (fat fingers and auto correct!)

 

[Jimjo]

Thanks for that
I’ve just ordered these from Amazon £32.99 for 2 lights

- maybe too small for your space

 

[autorouter]

the wires appear to be heat sealed.

These are crimp connections, as Cush says. Specifically they are 'butt crimp' connections, for joining wires that don't need to be unplugged. They come in three colours, which show the wire thickness they are intended for: red, blue, yellow for thin, medium thick. A crimp tool for the three colours can be found in any DIY store.

If you are re-doing a crimp like that, it needs a blue size to take the two wires from the top. The single wire from the bottom needs to be stripped back, and the copper doubled over, maybe even twice, to get enough copper for the crimp to grip properly. A single thin wire would probably easily slip out of the crimp, and wouldn't be a good connection.

Insulated Terminal Crimping Tool - Light Duty

Light duty crimping tool for pre-insulated red/blue/yellow terminals. Also crimps many non-insulated terminals and incorporates a cable cutter & wire stripper.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

 

[Jimjo]

Thank you - that’s really helpful

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[mitzimad]

i only use wago connectors for jobs like thisyou can even get small enclosure boxes for them

Wago Junction Box for 221 Series Lever Connectors | Wago_Connectors (207-3301)

 

[Thornebt]

Another vote for Wago connectors. Not very cheap but work well and are reusable.

 

[Jimjo]

Thanks. Will certainly have a look but think may be too large as connection will have to sit in rim of the light fitting as no room in space above. Cheers

 

[Jimjo]

These are crimp connections, as Cush says. Specifically they are 'butt crimp' connections, for joining wires that don't need to be unplugged. They come in three colours, which show the wire thickness they are intended for: red, blue, yellow for thin, medium thick. A crimp tool for the three colours can be found in any DIY store.

If you are re-doing a crimp like that, it needs a blue size to take the two wires from the top. The single wire from the bottom needs to be stripped back, and the copper doubled over, maybe even twice, to get enough copper for the crimp to grip properly. A single thin wire would probably easily slip out of the crimp, and wouldn't be a good connection.
View attachment 739164

Insulated Terminal Crimping Tool - Light Duty

Light duty crimping tool for pre-insulated red/blue/yellow terminals. Also crimps many non-insulated terminals and incorporates a cable cutter & wire stripper.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Lights all done thanks - picked up crimping set from Aldi for £8.99
Happy days