Downlights..... is this just me ?

[sythai]

My normal method of installing recessed gu10 downlights is as follows:

first fix
coil up above
draw plan
plasterboard goes straight over the top
cut out holes after boarded - before it's plastered (just in case any issues)

Half way through a job at the mo and the architect and builder seem to think that this is not the done method and are skimming before I get a chence to cut my holes out !! customer hasnt even decided on lights yet so dont even no the cut out size

Wouldnt be so bad if only a few, but I've got 25 to get bang on, no access above, cellotex, urrrggh!! My plan should be ok... but I know what the builders are like at moving cables!!

Any thoughts please

 

[cjp1]

I use the tape measure & Chalk line method for setting out downlights and cut the holes before the boards have been plastered.
Plasterers seem to get on ok as long as the wires are tucked away.

 

[martysparky]

Any one use a snake cam?

 

[Markc]

What's the worry about the plasters for? Screw em I say! They fill our boxes so we can't find them and damage the cables when on the rear occasion they do clear a box out. I've never met a plaster who every considered anyone other than themselves.
I always drill holes before plastering regardless of if they want me to or not. If I don't know the fitting size I go small and then pad saw them out if need be. I need to worry about my finish and time taken as I to am on a price. If a plaster can't get over a few holes then it's there problem not mine. As you may be able to tell I've been caught far to many times in the past.

 

[rocker]

They fill our boxes so we can't find them and damage the cables when on the rear occasion they do clear a box out. I've never met a plaster who every considered anyone other than themselves.

Only plasterer I have ever worked with who cut out boxes for me turned out to be a millionaire property magnate! Really nice guy as well.

 

[spamwize2]

i find (if possible) is to run all my cables first to the position they should be , leaving enough length for unforseen stuff, then drill a small hole in the plasterboard and put a screw in. that way it leaves plenty room for the plasterers and their drippage, then when its dry i cut my holes and fit my luminaires job done

 

[Jutt]

They fill our boxes so we can't find them and damage the cables when on the rear occasion they do clear a box out. I've never met a plaster who every considered anyone other than themselves.

yeah agree mate or they snip the cables & you end up with not even enough to second fix a socket.

 

[Gravid]

Crazy. I've never done any different than drill after skimmed, sometimes even after its been painted. Drilling out before is a right hassle for the spread.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Yep I usually leave it in the lap of the Gods as well and wait until it's all skimmed. It often requires the good old 'mirror on a stick' installation method and a lot of rod use, but usually comes good in the end.

Mind you, if I was doing 25 of them in a completely inaccessible ceiling I may feel differently......

I'm with you on this, but i also make sure that the cable is clipped to something to stop it getting moved too far. I once had a bit of luck looking for a smoke alarm cable hidden in the ceiling in a new flat, i hadnt first fixed so had no idea where it was, so i took a rough guide from the flat above and put my 20mm holesaw in, i cut through, pulled the saw out and the cable fell out and went in my eye!

 

[martysparky]

Any one use a snake cam?

I guess not then

 

[rocker]

I guess not then

I always want to buy one, but end up buying something else.

 

[cjp1]

I keep thinking about buying a snake camera too, I will do one day when I am a bit flush I bet it will be one of these tools that once you have one in the van you probably wont want to go to a job without it.

 

[SEC-Tom]

Balls to the plasterers, do they show consideration when plastering over boxes?

Stuff em, every man for himself on site.

 

[martysparky]

Yeah, I seen a snake can that is USB with ya PC for about £30 odd notes but thought what a hassle pulling out the lap top on site. Don't think that a good idea personally. So yeah a cheap solution. But you know you'd want a proper one. One with some good reach. I too feel that it would be a, I'm glad I have it purchase, but keep buying other things first.

Re; plastering.

Holes are a complete pain if plastering a ceiling, I've done it. I'm down with the screw gang on that but don't see the need for a plug just accurately put a dry lining screw straight in the board ( make sure you draw the words DANGER Do Not Remove Screws ).

 

[davelerave]

My normal method of installing recessed gu10 downlights is as follows:

first fix
coil up above
draw plan
plasterboard goes straight over the top
cut out holes after boarded - before it's plastered (just in case any issues)

Half way through a job at the mo and the architect and builder seem to think that this is not the done method and are skimming before I get a chence to cut my holes out !! customer hasnt even decided on lights yet so dont even no the cut out size

Wouldnt be so bad if only a few, but I've got 25 to get bang on, no access above, cellotex, urrrggh!! My plan should be ok... but I know what the builders are like at moving cables!!

Any thoughts please

i use the exact same method

drill for smallest if unsure(60mm approx)

i widen them later if neccessary by putting one holesaw inside the other(concentric circles)



why would anyone want to drill them after ceiling is skimmed ?

 

[Gravid]

why would anyone want to drill them after ceiling is skimmed ?

Perhaps to make other trades lives easier. It's not like the joists are going to move inbetween 1st and 2nd fix is it.
Not sure which is worse 25 holes to skim round or 25 screw heads to catch the trowel on.