I need to get round to fitting some ceiling lights. Trouble is, I've never done any kind of DIY before short of putting flat pack furniture together.

I've been round various shops, but I still haven't figured if there's a standard fitting, or if they each have different configurations.

The flat is brand new, and there are holes in the ceiling provided, but no drilled holes around them for screws. Is it possible to get lights that somehow don't require any drilling? Like a plate that can be put in the ceiling hole, and the light fitting screwed into? If so, what's the german name for this?

I notice the hole in the ceiling of the bedroom does actually have a plate prefitted, with a single screw hole in the middle, is this standard?

I have found that it is not standard.

Sometimes there is a hook (for hanging lights), or a plate for spots. I think it depends on the light you're fitting.

You can get special hooks that have two metal plates with serrated edges, which when you turn the hook expand out and grab hold of the inside of the hole in the ceiling. No idea what the name is, but they come in several sizes and are fairly cheap. I bought some from OBI when we first came over here. If you have a very heavy light fitting though, probably best to only place it where there is a pre-fitted hook. We have a couple of these in our house, they tend to be pushed right back into the hole behind a mass of wires. Do turn the electricity off before investigating, and don't drill unless you want to pay to have room redecorated when you leave.

I want some of these. Anyone got a german name for them ?

dave

If you are not looking for a fancy holders and lights then you can buy a very normal holder from Migros. I think it costs only 3 Francs . It has long wire and a holder for the bulb.

I went round M-Park in Basel to look at possible lighting for the ceiling to replace the ugly dangling wires I still have but I noticed that this spot lighting looks as though it requires a circular area to be recessed into the celing. All the spotlight ceiling lamps seemed that way. Should a big round hole be cut into the ceiling or is there a fitting that should be purchased?

Also depends on how long you are planning to stay in the same place. I went the lazy option and just bought some lamps, rather than investing in proper ceiling lights which I may, or may not need when I move out. I'll probably put something over the holes at some stage to hide the dodgy looking wires, but at least I have light in the place now.

The hooks with the serrated edges are called Lampenhaken or Crochet pour lampes and you can get them in 2 sizes 2.8cm - 4cm and 4cm - 6? cm at coop bau and hobby for under 3chfs

Cheers,
Max