Approach for downlight install requests

[JohnS888]

Hi All

Just wondering how you guys approach requests for downlight installs. Upto now I only attempt them if have access to floor boards above or the ceiling has been temporarily dropped so have easy wiring access. If ceiling is the more modern suspended type ceiling obviously not a problem to wire them. But how do you access this to the point you feel comfortable going ahead with it. Concern is take on a job that appears to be suspended and has ease of wiring start chopping away for downlight holes and then find there's either wooden supports or some sort of hindrance for the wiring

 

[Mike Johnson]

3mm MILD STEEL GALVANISED SHEET PLATE all sizes- Free cutting / express delivery | eBay

Mild Steel Galvanised Steel 3mm thick. Thicknesses available: 3mm Galvanised Mild Steel. Cheapest mild steel sheet. Mild steel is magnetic, can be welded and painted. Tolerances on cutting sizes: +/-1.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Mike Johnson]

50mm x 152mm Safeplate Protector (Sold in 1's)

No Fixings required

www.cef.co.uk

Can you imagine fixing 4.538kg of steel to each passing cable or pipe?

Type	Cable & Pipe Protection
Unspsc	30102204
Weight	4.538kg
Width	50mm

 

[loz2754]

They don't say what thickness, but it is described for this job:

Cable Capping: Wiring Channel & Channelling

Shop our steel & PVC cable capping & channelling including wiring channel. NO MINIMUM ORDER, money back guarantee, FREE delivery over £50 ex VAT, 5⭐ reviews

www.discount-electrical.co.uk

Looks less than 1mm

 

[loz2754]

Here is some in 3mm as generic steel plate:

Galvanised Flat Bar 3mm thick 1.5m length | UK wide delivery

Buy mild steel galvanised flat bar 3mm thick online, available in 1.5m lengths. Or you can contact us on 01274 875479 to place your order. Delivery on orders over £150 + VAT is free to mainland England &

www.themetalstore.co.uk

This looks promising

 

[loz2754]

3mm MILD STEEL GALVANISED SHEET PLATE all sizes- Free cutting / express delivery | eBay

Mild Steel Galvanised Steel 3mm thick. Thicknesses available: 3mm Galvanised Mild Steel. Cheapest mild steel sheet. Mild steel is magnetic, can be welded and painted. Tolerances on cutting sizes: +/-1.

www.ebay.co.uk

This looks ok

 

[loz2754]

You might be able to stack two of them for extra thickness.

But I guess if it is properly earthed then at least it will force disconnection even if someone keeps drilling/nailing against the resistance of the sheet.

Stacking 2 or more would not provide the same protection.
And the intention of this particular method of complying with 522.6.204 is that it need not be earthed.

 

[GBDamo]

which brings me back to my post... why not nominate in line with lights as safe zones similar to walls? the method would then comply.

cost being a factor, it's way less expensive than cutting and repairing huge holes, and eliminates the risk of drilling blind through joists, trying to miss any cables etc.that can't be seen.

apart from which, it's farless likely to be screwed or nailed than a cable in a wall.not many customers want to hang pictures or fit shelves on a ceiling.

My approach, for what its worth, is,

1, Find a joist, look for popped nails, sags, split joints. IDEALLY close to the existing rose, this will allow you to relocate/extend existing cables to first new light position.

2, cut in a 100-150mm hole on one side of the joist. To allow access for angle drill. Number the balnk and ceiling and draw a line across the cut to to aid with relocating.

3, use a fish rod to gauge distance between joists, use phone camera to have a scan round.

4, repeat alongside all joists that need drilling. This will give you all the visuals you need. Only now can you make a reasonable stab of planning the locations and and should avoid hitting any snags.

5, using these holes, often upto 4/5, you can see both sides of any joists that need drilling, so you can now drill your routing holes in the joists.

6, drill out the light holes, fish in cables, test and energise.

7, to fill the routing holes I use any suitable timber on site to make battens, fix two across the hole. Use the numbers and marks from earlier to fix the correct blank back in its hole.

8, Use easifill and a small filling knife to fill the deeper parts then a large (150-200mm) filling knife to skim over, let dry and sand. If the holes are still visible after sanding give them another skim. Should be invisible after painting.

If its lath and plaster make your excuses and leave..

If artex, new ceiling. Its awful stuff and should be illegal.

 

[pc1966]

If artex, new ceiling. Its awful stuff and should be illegal.

Agreed.

I have that hideous stuff in my kitchen and bathroom but lack the motivation & spare cash to do anything really but give it the odd lick of paint. The next owner can deal with it...

 

[DPG]

Stacking 2 or more would not provide the same protection.
And the intention of this particular method of complying with 522.6.204 is that it need not be earthed.

And if you earth it then how do you ensure a good connection, and one that is accessible for checking? Earthing the plates is not the way to go.