Chasing cable in a ceiling.

[Bobble23]

I need to convert a pendant into three downlights in the hallway of a ground floor flat. No access available from above, so the simplest way I could come up with would be chasing the cable into the actual ceiling and plastering it in. All RCD protected, so was thinking that I'm just treating the ceiling as a horizontal wall, but the problem would be that I don't think there are any safe zones in a ceiling so anyone could come along later and not know where my cables are.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[Engineer54]

What do you mean by ''downlighters'' not recessed i hope?? Well if it's a concrete ceiling i wish you luck, if not how do you intend to chase plasterboard/larve and plaster??

Why does no-one ever give any basic details on the queries they are asking about??

 

[Knobhead]

If this is a concrete ceiling forget the whole idea. You can’t chase it without a structural survey. I’ll tell you what the answer will be now, NO WAY!

There again, if the people above are good friend with your clients. They may enjoy sharing a communal lounge, all be it on two floors!

 

[coldyron]

Don't be silly, it wouldn't be a concrete ceiling. Surely?

Why not just use rods as much as possible and if you hit a (hopefully wooden) joist then just cut and patch either side?

 

[tlangdon12]

Absolutely it could be a concrete ceiling in a downstairs flat.

Think the OP will have fun sinking the downlights into this concrete ceiling.

 

[kingeri]

IF it was a concrete ceiling then DO NOT CHASE IT! Besides being a nightmare to do, as suggested already it would need looking at by someone to make sure the whole lot won't come down on your head. If it's plasterboard or similar, just use your rods and try to make as little mess as possible! People seem obsessed with downlights these days, don't know why, they are more trouble than they are worth. Bring back the trusty one pendant per room, I say! Mind you, I do get a lot of work from their installation, so I suppose I shouldn't complain.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Just cut nice 64mm holes and use rods if plasterboard. And as said before if you hit a joist drill a hole either side. After you have done just fit the 64mm cut offs back in the ceiling with some timber. Then use some filler. Easy. If its a concrete ceiling... No chance don't even go there let some other muppet do it.

 

[Engineer54]

Like always we are all just assuming, because the OP hasn't given any details about the construction or what he means by downlighters, they may not be of the recessed type at all!!

 

[Bobble23]

Thanks all, and sorry for lack of detail. I haven't started the job yet but it's a converted Victorian house so I assume lathe and plaster ceilings. I'll be (hopefully!) fitting fire-rated mains downlights. So is the concensus to use rods to lay cable on the ceiling and notch out the bottom of the joists where necessary? If so, should I be thinking about some sort of mechanical protection below the joists? Thanks.

 

[telectrix]

that's how i would do it. notch joists and fit 3mm steel cable protectors, but lath/plaster, YUK. good luck with this one.

 

[7029 dave]

Even if it is lathe and plaster will still be a pig of a job, (old blown plaster) you will leave a great big whole!!

 

[Andy78]

Or a whole load of holes.
May i recommend this product to you Bobble23 ?
Toolstation > Painting & Decorating > Fillers & Putty > Fill & Skim

It's a spongy pre-mixed filler that is very light and grippy, so it doesn't fall off ceilings easily, and you can fill up to an inch in one go with it.

 

[Guest55]

if the property has been converted from a house to 2 flats , then there is nearly always a clause in tenancy agreement / property deeds to allow for access in the other persons flat to carry out necessary repairs etc.

 

[sima24]

U might be lucky and find as its been converted to 2 flats they may have used fire board and over boarded the ceiling.

 

[D Skelton]

9 times out of 10 when we're wrecking ceilings for access we reboard and have them skimmed. Always a top finish and taking on a spread for a couple of hours is a damn sight cheaper than a spark filling holes badly for half a day!

Average ceiling 4-5 boards? = £35
Drylining screws? = £5
Bag of multi-finish? = £7
Plasterer? = £60
A finished job that doesn't look like a bag of excrement? = Priceless!