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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
Hi All,
I'm looking to add some ceiling downlights in my downstairs dining room and kitchen. However, the challenge is that the room above is a bathroom which is tiled, and a small area of carpeted landing.
Therefore, I will be able to see a little bit of the joists / ceiling from above, but I will mostly need to run the wires and work from underneath the ceiling.
Before I cut out a hundred holes in the ceiling to try and achieve this, do you have any tips on how I can do this? and any tools you recommend?
the ceiling is typical Victorian structure: 6x2 joists, with plasterboard in some areas and lathe/plaster in others.
I'm looking to run two rows of 4 lights (so 8 lights in total).
I have installed spotlights before, but have always had access from above. Thanks!!
Sammy
I'm looking to add some ceiling downlights in my downstairs dining room and kitchen. However, the challenge is that the room above is a bathroom which is tiled, and a small area of carpeted landing.
Therefore, I will be able to see a little bit of the joists / ceiling from above, but I will mostly need to run the wires and work from underneath the ceiling.
Before I cut out a hundred holes in the ceiling to try and achieve this, do you have any tips on how I can do this? and any tools you recommend?
the ceiling is typical Victorian structure: 6x2 joists, with plasterboard in some areas and lathe/plaster in others.
I'm looking to run two rows of 4 lights (so 8 lights in total).
I have installed spotlights before, but have always had access from above. Thanks!!
Sammy
sammy.se
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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
Post by banjerbill »
It's not too difficult if the cable run goes in line with the joists. It's a pig of a job if the joists are at right angles to the run.
Bill
Bill
banjerbill
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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
Thanks Bill - If going across joists (if they are at right angles) I assume I have to cut a hole in the ceiling next to each joist, to drill a hole for the cable?
sammy.se
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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
Post by banjerbill »
Yes but you would probably get away with one opening per joist and use a fish to feed the cable to the next opening. Not an easy task but doable. Of course you won't be going through all the joists, how many is governed by your light placement. The other option is a false ceiling, a major and expensive undertaking.
banjerbill
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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
If they are low voltage or LED spotlights, you'll be able to use much thinner cable, e.g. like speaker wire (check the installation instructions).banjerbill wrote: ↑Fri Jan 15, 2021 6:10 pm Yes but you would probably get away with one opening per joist and use a fish to feed the cable to the next opening. Not an easy task but doable.
arco_iris
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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
Post by Someone-Else »
Not a good idea as you then have volt drop and a power supply to take into consideration, no such problem if the lamps are mains powered.
Above are my opinions Below is my signature.
Would you hit a nail with a shoe because you don't have a hammer? of course not, then why work on anything electrical without a means of testing Click Here to buy a "tester" just because it works, does NOT mean it is safe.
If gloom had a voice, it would be me.
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Would you hit a nail with a shoe because you don't have a hammer? of course not, then why work on anything electrical without a means of testing Click Here to buy a "tester" just because it works, does NOT mean it is safe.
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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
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There is lighting track, and lighting bars, with lighting track
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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
Thanks all for the advice.
I think that if I go to the trouble of feeding cable, I'll feed 1.5mm, even though I plan on using LED bulbs.
I will check out the track system though, might be a good alternative!
I think that if I go to the trouble of feeding cable, I'll feed 1.5mm, even though I plan on using LED bulbs.
I will check out the track system though, might be a good alternative!
sammy.se
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Installing spotlights in ceiling without access from above
Oh, another question, do I need to worry about insulation and the lighting wires?
The spot lights themselves won't have any insulation around the (I'll clear a space), but there might be 100mm rockwool in the ceiling cavity where the cables will run.
The spot lights themselves won't have any insulation around the (I'll clear a space), but there might be 100mm rockwool in the ceiling cavity where the cables will run.
sammy.se
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