Bathroom light fitting with no joist to fix it to

[GMjohn]

Hi,

I'm changing out 6 downlights in the bathroom as they don't work very well and was going to change it for one ip44 rated bathroom light fitting which takes 1 es bulb. The fitting has a 32cm diameter approx, with a glass cover. However, when I took the downlights out, I noticed it was a false ceiling with plasterboard attached to wooden supports, and there was no wooden support near where I was going to put the new fitting. I cannot get access from above to fit another wooden support for the light to fix into, so was wondering what my options are.

On the spot, I could think of two possibilities, but don't have the experience to know if they'd be safe ones. The obvious would be to use plasterboard fixings like spring toggles, but I have no idea whether that would be suitable for holding the weight or whether the plasterboard is at risk of being pulled down at some future point. I have also considered whether I could shove a length of wood up through one of the existing downlight holes, screw through the plasterboard to hold it in position, and fix the fitting into this. I guess this would give something to screw into and spread the weight a little, but would it serve the purpose and be safe?

Is there a way to fix this fitting to the ceiling safely without putting a noggin up there to screw to? Or is my only real option to refit downlights?

 

[telectrix]

shove a length of wood up through one of the existing downlight holes, screw through the plasterboard to hold it in position, and fix the fitting into this.


​done htis a few times. as long as the fitting is not too heavy, should be OK.

 

[Guest77]

My advice is to forget the es lamp fitting, old fashioned and outdated, get a 18 watt led round bathroom light, they weigh next to nothing and costs are now very competitive.

 

[Farmelectrics]

You've answered your own question plasterboard fixings ie worms are very good if not a battin above ceiling

 

[Guest77]

LED| Catalogue

 

[telectrix]

and don't forget to power the light ( and the fan) from the shower.:willy_nilly:

 

[londonfire]

I would you the plaster board fixings that need a tool to set them. They spread out behind the board in a cross. Like these
http://m.screwfix.com/p/fischer-hm-plasterboard-anchors-m4-x-46mm-pack-of-20/38777?filtered=true

 

[londonfire]

Doesn't have to be Fischer that was just an example. I think i brought a set from Aldi for about a tenner with about 6 different sizes. Bargain!

 

[shanky887614]

spring toggles are what you need if its not too heavy.

go led mate it will be much better


if the downlights dont work very well have you tried better lamps?

 

[Simonslimline]

I have posted a link to some fixings in your duplicate thread in the trainee section.

 

[Geordie Spark]

When in doubt use Liquid Nails / No More Nails or Gaffer Tape.

 

[shanky887614]

When in doubt use Liquid Nails / No More Nails or Gaffer Tape.

if gaffer tape doesn't work, your not using enough gaffer tape [emoji1]

 

[Guest77]

use a glass hammer to knock in rubber nails, that will sort it out

 

[trev]

if gaffer tape doesn't work, your not using enough gaffer tape [emoji1]

Are you a Geordie mate?

 

[shanky887614]

Are you a Geordie mate?

im from lincs actually, grew up in a sh! thole called swadlincote.

ive gone up market now I live in castle donington