How to Fit a NOVI Wooden Wall Light in Dark Stain Oak

Quick answer

To fit the NOVI Wooden Wall Light in Dark Stain Oak, first turn off the power, then connect the live, neutral, and earth wires to your junction box, mount the backplate, and secure the carved-wood shade. This guide walks you through each step with common pitfalls to watch for.

Step-by-step fitting guide

1. Turn off the power and test for voltage: Switch off the circuit breaker for the room where you are working. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm no power is present at the wall box before touching any wires. A common mistake is relying on the wall switch alone. Always test with a voltage tester—even if the switch is off, the box may still be live.
2. Prepare the wall box and wires: Ensure your wall box is securely fixed and has enough depth (at least 35mm) to accommodate the connections. Identify the live (brown), neutral (blue), and earth (green/yellow) wires. If your box does not have an earth connection, the light must be double-insulated—check the NOVI’s instructions for confirmation. If the wall box is too shallow, the wires may be pinched when the backplate is screwed on, risking a short circuit. Use a deeper box if needed.
3. Connect the wires to the light's terminal block: Use the supplied terminal block or connector. Connect live to live, neutral to neutral, and earth to earth. Tighten each screw firmly, then give each wire a gentle tug to confirm it is secure. Wrap the connections with electrical tape for extra insulation in damp locations. Loose connections are the most common cause of flickering or intermittent failure. Double-check every terminal before moving on.
4. Mount the backplate to the wall: Position the backplate over the wall box and mark the screw holes. Drill pilot holes if needed (use wall plugs for plasterboard). Screw the backplate flush against the wall, but do not overtighten—wood can crack if the plate is pulled too hard against an uneven surface. If the wall is not perfectly flat, use small plastic shims behind the backplate to prevent the wood from warping or cracking when the screws are tightened.
5. Attach the carved-wood shade: Align the shade over the backplate and secure it with the provided screws or clips. The doughnut shape should sit evenly—rotate it slightly if it feels tight. Do not force it, as the wood can split. Check that the shade does not pinch any wires between itself and the backplate. Wires caught under the shade can cause a short or damage the insulation over time.
6. Install the bulb and test: Screw in an LED bulb (check the maximum wattage printed on the light’s label, typically 5-7W for LED). Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and test the light. If it does not work, turn the power off again and recheck the wire connections. Do not use a halogen or incandescent bulb—they produce too much heat for the enclosed wood cavity and can scorch or ignite the shade.

About this light

• NOVI Wooden Wall Light - Dark Stain Oak: The NOVI Wooden Wall Light in Dark Oak is a carved-wood wall light with a playful doughnut shape, IP44 rated for use in damp environments like bathrooms and kitchens. Its IP44 rating means you can install it in a steamy bathroom or above a kitchen sink, but you must ensure the junction box is also rated for damp locations and that the wood is not exposed to direct water spray.