A flush ceiling light sits close against the ceiling and wires directly into a ceiling outlet box, which makes it a good choice where headroom is tight - hallways, landings, bedrooms and cupboards. The whole job is usually under half an hour once the power is off.
Before you start
- Mounting: the base fixes to a standard ceiling outlet box and sits flat to the ceiling.
- Ceiling type: flush fittings are for flat ceilings. On a vaulted or sloped ceiling, a semi-flush or pendant fitting hangs correctly where a flush one will not.
- Power: these fittings are hardwired to your mains supply.
- Dimming: models with a replaceable bulb can usually be dimmed. Integrated LED models generally cannot. The Product Specifications above state which yours is.
- Clearance: check the canopy width and fitting depth listed above against the space you have, particularly inside a cupboard or close to a door swing.
Tools you may need
- Screwdriver
- Voltage tester
- Wire strippers
- Wire nuts or terminal connectors (supplied)
- Step ladder
- Drill, if you are fitting a new outlet box
Installation
1. Switch off the power
Turn the lighting circuit off at the consumer unit or breaker panel and test at the ceiling outlet with a voltage tester. The wall switch alone does not make the wiring safe.
2. Remove the cover
Most flush fittings have an outer shade or diffuser that twists or unclips from the base. Take it off and set it somewhere it cannot be stood on, exposing the mounting plate and the wiring compartment.
3. Fit the mounting bracket
Screw the supplied bracket to the ceiling outlet box. Check it is square to the room before you tighten - with a flush fitting, any twist in the bracket shows immediately against the ceiling line.
4. Connect the wiring
- Live to live: black, brown, or the terminal marked L
- Neutral to neutral: white, blue, or the terminal marked N
- Earth to earth: green, green-and-yellow, or bare, to the earth terminal or screw
Secure each connection and fold the wiring back into the box. There is little depth behind a flush fitting, so make sure nothing is trapped as the base comes up.
5. Fix the base
Offer the base up to the bracket and secure it with the screws provided, tightening a little at a time in turn so the base draws up evenly and finishes flat against the ceiling.
6. Refit the cover
Put the diffuser or decorative cover back, twisting, clipping or screwing it as the design requires. It should seat without force - if it resists, the base is probably not fully home.
7. Restore power and test
Switch the circuit back on and test from the wall switch. Isolate the power again before re-opening anything.
Important tips
- Confirm the outlet box is secure and rated to carry the fitting's weight before mounting.
- Follow the wiring rules that apply where you live, and call a qualified electrician if anything is unclear.
- Clean the diffuser with a dry, soft cloth. Let it dry completely before refitting if you wash it.
- Fit only the bulb type and wattage listed above - a flush fitting traps heat more than an open one.
If anything about the fitting or the wiring is unclear, email info@clerachic.com and a person will answer you.