What is this & Lighting Issue

[StitchUp]

What is this? I don't have a clue! It's located on the ceiling in our van.

Since we took ownership of the van in July one of the interior dome lights hasn't worked despite swapping out the GU4 halogen bulb for LED! So yesterday I decided to take the light fitting down to investigate further - it seems others have done the same in its 20 year history, the tell tail signs are there

Anyway, there was no voltage on the wires and it was clear to see why - a spade connector that had been held on by black tape had parted, I'll be soldering a replacement today. I have ordered a replacement by Dream Lighting mainly to provide more light.

When screwing fittings to the ceiling, what exactly am I screwing into - feels like polystyrene or similar!

 

[bertiebasset]

You are probably correct,, screwing into polystyrene insulation after passing through the hardboard ??? facia. Do not have too heavy a light fitting.

 

[sonar]

Thin coated plywood or Mdf. Then into foam or polystyrene. Then the outside skin of either alloy or grp

 

[63720]

I would find a small piece of ply to cover the holes, smaller than the fitting, tart it up and stick it to the ceiling then screw into that. I wouldn't like my ceiling looking like Swiss cheese.

 

[StitchUp]

Thanks all, you've confirmed my thoughts

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[xsparks]

Another idea is small plasterboard fixings or small raw plugs.

 

[pappajohn]

I suspect if you remove the round plastic thing the ceiling will look just like the light fitting.....a hole and a load of screw holes....as if the fitting has been moved.

Did you check the wires for voltage AFTER removing the spade?
No point fitting a new light if there's no power.

 

[StitchUp]

One of the spades had fallen off!

Yes, a good 12v and a little more there