0

We found this chandelier at IKEA in the as-is section (apparently formerly a floor model), and as it seemed to be in perfect condition, 50% off the retail price seemed like a good deal. Unfortunately, we didn't realize it was missing a vital part: the ceiling mount AND a wiring adapter (as seen in step #3 in these instructions). So basically what I have is an unmarked two-stranded wire (the connector was removed from the light fixture's cord as well), and no way to connect them to the ceiling box.

I purchased a stand-alone canopy kit, which can replace the missing canopy mount, but I cannot seem to figure out where to find a power adapter to connect to my ceiling wires and the light fixture's wires. I've figured out that I definitely need something through trial and error -- connecting the wires directly to the ceiling lines results in blown bulbs (with the wires tried both ways). I may just need to know what that little cube thingy is actually called, so I can look it up.

It also occurs to me that this could very well NOT be the problem... The quick connect boxes I'm seeing don't actually have any electrical bits in them, they're just faster than using wire nuts. Maybe the wires in my ceiling are screwy.

Any ideas?

Improve this question

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

The bulbs are not rated for line voltage, and that box is likely some form of Rectifier and/or step down transformer. I'd follow the instructions on page 3 of the installation guide.

enter image description here

From IKEA SÖDER Chandelier, 7-armed:

Care instructions

Halogen bulb G4 12V 10W

Improve this answer
7
  • There would be no reason for it to be a rectifier unless it was driving LEDs or CFLs. It wouldn't make much sense for LEDs unless it also stepped the voltage down to a lower voltage. ( All a rectifier does is turn AC voltage source into a DC voltage source of nearly the same amplitude. )
    – Brad Gilbert
    Sep 14, 2013 at 0:33
  • Sorry @BradGilbert I misspoke a bit, and assumed that folks would understand that a rectifier circuit would also have some way to step down the voltage. Hopefully it's more clear now.
    – Tester101
    Sep 14, 2013 at 12:08
  • 1
    The only reason for it to have a rectifier is if it uses a switching power supply. In which case it would be more appropriately called a power supply. I would have edited the post to just say "some form of low voltage power supply, possibly just a step down transformer."
    – Brad Gilbert
    Sep 14, 2013 at 20:45
  • Presumably you meant "DC power supply," not "rectifier." A rectifier is one part of a DC power supply, but on its own it's not useful for anything that would be mentioned on this site.
    – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
    Sep 18, 2013 at 19:11
  • 1
    @BlueRaja-DannyPflughoeft Cuz that's how I roll. The image is the "real" answer, the text is just useless filler.
    – Tester101
    Sep 18, 2013 at 23:42
2

This is the missing piece, it's a transformer. Long view of transformer Transformer label

Improve this answer
1
  • It should be quite easy to use an alternative transformer.
    – D-on
    Aug 29, 2016 at 8:44

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.