Technology of installation of a spotlight in suspended ceilings

Stretch ceilings are easy to use, they are installed in a few hours, but there are often problems with installation of lighting fixtures. If you do not immediately provide all the features, it will not be easy to install the equipment with your own hands. If the technology is not followed properly, the ceiling can be damaged and you will have to order it again. To avoid problems, it is necessary to follow the recommendations for the work.

Spectacular illumination of the stretch ceiling.

Preparation

To carry out the installation qualitatively, to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the equipment, you need to act in a certain sequence. Some masters, installing a suspended ceiling, put fixtures or a chandelier for free. But more often for this they take money, and a lot of it, so it makes sense to do the work yourself.

Highlights

Installing lights in a suspended ceiling by yourself includes:

1. Drawing up a project, which specifies the location of fixtures, switches, junction boxes. It is also necessary to decide where the wires will be laid. If on the ceiling they can be fixed with brackets or clamps, then in the walls you will have to plan troughs to hide the cable. Therefore, it is worth making preparations in advance.
2. Do not forget about the additional elements - drivers (if available), auxiliary equipment. Often there are other communications above the ceiling, they also should not be overlooked.
3. Determine the optimal characteristics of the cable that will be used. The choice depends on the equipment - its power, type of bulbs, etc. Also at this stage, the required amount of wire is calculated, it is best to buy it with a reserve, since the actual consumption is often more than according to the project.
4. Laying of wires according to the prepared scheme. One of the most difficult stages, especially if there is no electricity on the ceiling, or if you need a lot of wires. It is important to think about fixing the elements on the ceiling, so that over time they do not fall on the canvas and do not have to redo the work.
   Attaching the wiring to the ceiling and bringing the cables out.
5. Marking the location of lighting fixtures on the ceiling and installing the supporting elements, if they are needed. This is done before pulling the cloth, the work should be carried out using a laser level, the technology is described in detail below.
6. The alignment of embedded platforms after the laying of the cloth. The process is responsible, but uncomplicated, you can figure it out in a few minutes. The main thing is to buy in advance everything you need for the work and in the process, be careful not to cut too much.
7. Assembling fixtures on the location. It is impossible to give an exact instruction, since the models differ in design, method of attachment and connection to the wiring. There is always a diagram in the kit, you can use it to understand the features of installation, pinout wires and other nuances, if there are any.
8. Installing the chandelier, if necessary. This is a separate type of work, which is different from the installation of built-in fixtures. The most important thing here is proper preparation, because the base under the suspended ceiling must be strong enough to withstand the load.

The combination of a chandelier and spotlights.

Important! If there are any questions and something is not clear, there is no need to rush. It is better to consult with an expert or read the information on specialized resources.

If the wiring is laid, you can skip some steps. But most often it is still necessary to wires on the surface, so you will have to join the network and lay out the cables so that you can then find the right option and connect it to the light fixture.

Perfectly laid wiring under the suspended ceiling.

Materials and tools needed

Installation of lighting fixtures in a suspended ceiling is worth starting only when you have everything you need at hand. The exact list depends on the characteristics of the room and type Installed equipment, but most often prepared such a set:

1. A table, ladder or other structure with which it is convenient to work under the ceiling.
2. Cable of the right brand. Select the amount with a reserve, as the actual consumption is always more than according to the plan.
3. Corrugated hose for wiring, if the partition is wooden.
4. Indicator screwdriver to check voltage.
   Checking the phase with the indicator screwdriver.
5. Fasteners for cable or corrugated hose. To be selected for the particular situation, can be different sizes and shapes.
6. If the ceiling is concrete, you need a drill with a drill that fits the size of the fastener. For wooden ceilings, use a drill with a drill bit or just screw self-tapping screws into the surface.
7. Laser level. With its help, even a person without experience will be able to accurately determine the position of the lights. It is not necessary to buy, it is easier to rent for a few days or borrow from friends.
8. To fix the cable fasteners, pick up a nail dowel, the best variant is 6x40.
   Dowel nail 6x40. Where 6 is the diameter, 40 is the length of the fastener.
9. Small self-tapping screws for fixing metal plates and other parts, if necessary.
10. Hooks, if chandeliers will be installed. There are options for wood and for concrete. In the second case, they are combined with a spacer metal anchor.
11. Rings to install light fixtures in a stretch ceiling. Variants are sold for specific fixtures or universal models, in which you need to cut a ring of suitable diameter.
12. To construct a framework under the lamp you can use hangers for plasterboard or perforated tape thickness of 1 mm. You can buy a special rack with height adjustment, it is more expensive, but will fit without modifications and additional measurements.
13. Connectors for wires. It is most convenient to buy terminal self-clamping blocks, but you can also use standard models with screws. The use of twist ties and duct tape is undesirable.
    Wago's self-clamping terminal block.
14. A pencil or chalk to mark the ceiling and tape or masking tape to mark the floor.
15. A tape measure at least 5 meters long.
16. Thermal rings to protect the stretch ceiling fabric from overheating and melting.
    Rings and glue for the stretch ceiling.
17. An electrician's knife for stripping wires. If it is not available, a construction knife with interchangeable blades will do.
18. Special glue for film and plastic. Cosmophen is great - you can buy it at stores that sell plastic window accessories.
19. A set of screwdrivers of different sizes and shapes. They are used in the process for different purposes.

Tip! If there is insufficient natural light even in the room during the day (for example, it is located behind the balcony), it is better to prepare a lamp or a carrier.

Marking the ceiling, how to make a wiring diagram and install racks

To begin with, make a scheme, without it you should not start the work. Many people do the work by eye, and then there are problems with repairing and finding junction boxes. As for the scheme, when making it use these recommendations:

1. The minimum distance from the lamp to the wall is 20 cm. Between the lamps should be 30 cm or more. If the ceiling has seams, you can not cut the lamp closer than 15 cm from them.
2. The location of junction boxes should be chosen so that there is constant access to them.
3. Plan where to lay the wire. It must run parallel or perpendicular to the walls. It is not permitted to lay diagonally, nor should it be crossed. If the wiring changes direction, the angle must be straight.
4. Draw on a piece of paper with indents and distances. It is much easier to navigate when carrying out the work.

The more detailed the scheme - the better.

The next step will be marking. Previously, this work required special accuracy and attention, but with the advent of laser levels, everything has become much easier. The work is carried out as follows:

1. On the ceiling, marks are placed where the lights or chandeliers will be installed. After that, the location of points is transferred to the floor with an ordinary plumb line.
2. On the floor, it is better to glue masking tape or duct tape. Do not draw with chalk, as it can be inadvertently erased and then there will be problems with determining the exact location.
3. At the mounting points are installed mounting platforms, which are chosen according to the type of lamp. You can buy special brackets, or you can collect them from a profile for drywall and a ring that is cut from a universal platform for the diameter of the lamp.
4. If you will hang a chandelier, you need to fix a hook.

Platforms for recessed lighting fixtures.

At the measuring stage, specify the indentation of the cloth from the ceiling. This will help to expose the platforms at the right level.

Mounting into the ceiling

When installing lighting fixtures in a suspended ceiling must choose them in advance, it depends on this method of installation. Most often use spot overhead options, classic chandeliers and LED strips. Each of the solutions has its own characteristics of installation, which you need to know.

Spot overhead lamp

Before you begin, understand the design of the light fixture, see how the clips work, so that when installing nothing will be damaged. You can strip the wires beforehand, then you will not have to spend time on this when connecting. Installation of spotlights in a suspended ceiling to produce as follows:

1. First, expose the laser level on the mark on the floor. The point is projected on the ceiling, you need to leave the equipment in this position for a while.
2. On the thermal ring is applied a special adhesive in a small layer. It should be positioned so that the laser mark is exactly in the middle and pressed to the surface of the ceiling. The main thing is accuracy - you can not move the ring on the canvas, as will leave traces of glue, you can not remove them.
3. The glue will literally set in a few minutes. Then you need a construction knife to carefully cut the cloth inside the thermal ring. No special precision is needed here.
4. The platform, which is located above the ring, should be tightened so that it is exactly level with the web. If necessary, it is fixed in the right position.
5. The wires that are brought in are pulled outward to make it easier to work. Connect the socket with the wiring should be a socket. For 220 V voltage does not matter the order of connection. But if the lamp is supplied with 12 or 24 volts, it is obligatory to observe the color combination (blue - zero, red or black - phase).
6. If there was no bulb in the luminaire, it should be inserted. Then carefully squeeze the locks and put the body in place.

Mounting the recessed luminaire in the suspended ceiling.

For your information! Before installation, you need to select the luminaire according to the distance of the ceiling from the surface. If the distance is 35-50 mm, only models with GX53 socket are suitable. When the niche is 5 cm or more, you can install a recessed luminaire of any type.

Watch must: Adding new light fixtures in a stretch ceiling without embedding.

The nuances of installing a chandelier

In this case, two mounting options can be used - a hook and a plate. Depending on the type of fastener, the preparation for installation is very different. If you need to hang a model with a hook, remember the following:

1. Select the type of fastener according to the material of the ceiling slab. For concrete, an anchor or dowel and a hook with a threaded part for screwing in (it is also convenient to use for wood) will work best. If the construction is hollow, a "butterfly" is suitable, in which the spring-loaded blades open and hold the element.
2. You also need to make a platform, which will be located above the canvas and serve as a stop for the decorative cap. The easiest way is to use plywood with a thickness of 5 to 10 mm. Cut a square of about 25x25 cm, in the center of which a hole is made. Its size should be chosen so that it was possible to hang the chandelier and connect the wires.
3. It is best to fasten the square to the hangers at the four corners. Before installation, it is bent closer to the ceiling, so as not to interfere with the tension of the cloth.
4. With the help of a leveler, set the mark. If there is no laser device, by touch to find the plywood and orient on the location of the hole. On top, glue a ring of plastic, which should coincide with the notch in the pad.
5. Carefully pull out the wires and connect to the chandelier terminal. Then hang the chandelier on the hook, lift the decorative cover that covers the fixing point and fix it with the screw.

Scheme for installing a chandelier with a hook in a suspended ceiling.

Danger! Always disconnect the power before starting work.

If you want to mount on a slat or two slats, the mounting method will be different. In this case, it all depends on the design and location of the fasteners. Mounting instructions:

1. If the plate is one, you need to cut a wooden bar of suitable length and fasten it to the ceiling with hangers for drywall, to then set the level.
2. For a cross-shaped bracket, you need to make a wooden base of the same shape. If the size is large and the mounting points are far apart, you can install 4 bars, the main thing is to determine their exact position and check by putting the bracket.
3. After pulling the webbing, you need to determine the location of the plastic ring (or several rings) and glue it to the surface. Then cut holes and connect the wires.
4. Fasten with the nuts that come with the kit by inserting the studs from the bracket into the holes in the body. Clamp evenly so that the chandelier does not warp.

Mounting the mounting plate under the chandelier.

For non-standard mounts, the preparation of the base may be different. The main thing is to deal with this aspect in advance, mark the ceiling and put planks or plywood in the right places.

Features of installation of LED strip

LED strip is used to illuminate the surface and to create a cozy atmosphere in the room. Fix it can be both above and below the cloth, it all depends on the desired effect. To begin with, you need to bring the wires to the point of connection and think about where to install blocks, through which the power is supplied to the tape. The work to do as follows:

1. When installing over the canvas, prepare the surface of the wall or ceiling: clean from debris and primed. The easiest way to glue on double-sided tape, in the premises it reliably holds the diodes.
2. If you need to make illumination from the outside, it is better to use a special baguette, which installers attach when stretching the ceiling, in which there is a recess for the LED strip. Or you can make a niche of plasterboard, but this is a complicated process.
   You can fix a projecting baguette around the perimeter and glue the strip to it.
3. It is best to choose a profile with a diffuser, then the lighting will give an even light.

Installing ceiling lights - the process is not complicated, if you have thought about their location, wired and fixed platforms for mounting. The main thing - gather everything you need in advance and work with the canvas carefully so as not to damage it.