DCL: How to fix your light ?
That's it ! You are moving into your " home Sweet Home ", you just have to settle in and decorate it to your taste. You may be looking for ideas, especially to dress your ceiling and this small plate in the middle of which there is a hook with a suspension light … Besides, what is this plate for? ?
What is a DCL box?
In fact, it's a bit like an iceberg. : the most visible part (here, the hook) is in fact only a small part of a larger, well-hidden whole...
Behind the plate, which is approximately 7 cm in diameter, there is in fact a complete electrical safety assembly called DCL, for luminaire connection device. The DCL works like a socket, and is composed of a flush-mounting box, in which a socket and a plug are inserted. This flush-mounting box is closed by a plastic base, in the middle of which there is a hook. A robust fixing system since it is designed to support a light fixture weighing up to 25 kilos.
All this makes the DCL a discreet and solid device, which leaves you with a wide range of choices for equipping your ceiling with a suspended luminaire.
A DCL box, for whom?
Your electrician is probably very familiar with DCLs, since the NF C 15-100 standard – which defines the rules specific to the safety of electrical installations and takes into account comfort criteria – has required their use since 1 er October 2001. Thus, for any new construction or renovation, the electrician is required to offer you a secure electrical installation, without any wild electrical wire outlets. For the ceilings of the main rooms of the homes, in particular, he must use this small recessed box containing a socket, which then allows you to install your light fixture by simply plugging in a socket.
If you are a handyman, and have already exercised your talents on electrical work, you will surely appreciate the simplicity of the DCL, and may decide to install it yourself if you undertake renovation work. Otherwise, do not hesitate to call on a professional who can install DCL boxes in your home, or even continue with the installation of the lighting fixtures that you have chosen.
What are the advantages of a DCL?
The requirement to use DCLs is there to make your life easier, in complete safety !
- First of all, the luminaire connection device is a system that preserves your safety. The handling required to install your light fixture or change a bulb is limited thanks to the design of the DCL, which therefore also reduces the risk,
- The risk of electric shock is therefore minimised , also at the time of the electrical installation. Attention : in all cases, with or without DCL, the electricity must be cut off when connecting the light fixture...
- Installing your ceiling light is easier and faster because you just have to connect the DCL plug to the Hoopzï light fixture, without a screwdriver or other additional tools.
- The electrical wires no longer protrude from the ceiling , and are no longer even visible, since they are hidden in the housing of the lighting connection device.An undeniable aesthetic advantage !
The most handy will simply appreciate the time saved to install their lights without having to take out a whole toolbox, and without spending hours on it. The less handy will perhaps reserve the installation and connection work to an electrician, and will be content to enjoy their suspended light : and why not ? That’s also comfort…
For everyone, the safety and neat appearance of the installation will represent an inestimable comfort and gain. Enough to give desires for development, isn't it? ?
How to check if your pendant light is DCL compatible ?
The DCL box is a system mainly used in France. Most manufacturers of foreign brands have not provided the possibility of connecting their luminaires to a DCL because in their country, this box is not mandatory.
If you buy a pendant light from an Italian or English brand, pay close attention to its connection system, and check that your light will be compatible with the light connection device installed in your home. !
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How to validate compatibility of your suspension?
First of all, it is important that the steel canopy of your pendant light is wide enough to cover your plastic housing. It is advisable to buy a pendant light with a steel canopy that is wide enough to hide this unsightly plastic housing.
Now let's look at the support bar which allows to hang your roof on the DCL. It is essential that it is equipped with a central hole so that you can fix your roof to the DCL, otherwise it will be impossible to fix the light fixture on the DCL.
What if you connected a Hoopzi suspension to your DCL?
Good news : Hoopzi suspensions have everything you need !
Hoopzi is the leading French company in woven electric wire suspension with electrical fixing kit. We have developed an electric suspension that connects easily and quickly to the DCL system. Equipped with a 12 cm steel roof, it will dress the base of your DCL, and make you forget this small plate that obsesses you so much at the moment. Complying with current electrical standards, Hoopzi's colored suspensions are delivered with suitable fixing accessories and adapt easily to your installation.
We invite you to watch the video opposite : you will find that it is actually simple to install your Hoopzi suspension to your DCL system.
Surprise: 10% off your first order with the code: DCLPROMO
All you have to do is browse our site to choose the color and number of wires for your suspension.You will find your happiness between our Bala suspension , 2-wire suspensions , 3 bulb suspensions and our 5 bulb suspensions ! Our suspensions are indeed offered with a wire, but also 2, 3 or even 5 to illuminate while decorating.
Of course, you can also choose a lampshade, and thus create the Hoopzi light that will illuminate your interior, or take Hoopzi with you everywhere in your home by choosing a ready-to-plug portable light. ! But that's another story...
The Hoopzi Team
