How to install spotlights in the ceiling of PVC panels

PVC panels are one of the most inexpensive solutions used for ceiling decoration in corridors, kitchens, bathrooms and any other space where you need to save money. The panels are easy to install on your own, which further reduces the cost of the project, you can also embed lamps in them if you follow simple tips and properly prepare for work.

PVC panel ceiling in the kitchen.

Installation of spotlights in a plastic ceiling differs from other options due to the characteristics of the material. PVC panels have their own advantages and disadvantages that must be considered. Mistakes should not be made, because because of them the surface will deteriorate at best, and at worst the plastic will begin to melt.

What are the features of the material

PVC panels differ in a number of characteristics, so before you put lamps in such a ceiling, you need to understand the features of this option:

1. Plastic is not afraid of moisture and even with prolonged exposure to water does not deteriorate and does not change properties.But at the same time, mold can appear on the surface if the room is poorly ventilated and moisture does not evaporate.
2. Service life more than 10 years. PVC remains reliable for a very long time when used indoors. It is not suitable for open air due to the fact that temperature and humidity changes, as well as ultraviolet radiation from the sun, make plastic brittle in just 2-3 years.
3. Panels can be installed with your own hands in just a couple of hours. To do this, you need to assemble a frame from a profile or a wooden block, and then fix it with staples, self-tapping screws or liquid nails.
4. This is the cheapest finishing material for today. At the same time, you can buy panels of different widths and colors, which will allow you to decorate the ceiling as you like.
5. The surface is afraid of impacts, from this PVC cracks or breaks. Therefore, you need to handle the ceiling with care, if you press hard when installing the lamp, a trace may remain there. Work should be carried out carefully.
6. You can cut plastic with a hacksaw or a construction knife, which simplifies the work. The main thing is to do everything carefully so as not to damage the surface and not leave a scuff on it.
7. PVC is afraid of high temperatures. Components have been added to the composition that prevent the panels from burning, but at the same time they easily melt and deform from constant overheating. Because of this, lamps must be selected especially carefully, models with incandescent lamps cannot be installed, halogen options are also undesirable. LEDs work best, as they don't get very hot even when used for a long time.
8. Large panels can sag under the weight of the luminaires if they are placed in the middle.If necessary, you need to put platforms under the ceiling from hangers and plastic so that the clamps hold on to them. It is better to choose light fixtures so as not to do extra work.

LED lights are best suited for PVC.

Note! If metal panels are used for the ceiling, the rules for installing fixtures for them are the same as for PVC.

What you need

Before installation, collect everything you need so as not to be distracted during installation and not to look for improvised devices. Some of the work must be done before attaching the panels, and some after. What do you need:

1. Drill or screwdriver with a crown for wood, the diameter of which is selected according to size of spotlights. The easiest way is to buy a kit, it is cheap and will come in handy later.
2. If there is no crown, buy a construction knife 25 mm wide and a set of replacement blades for it for cutting. And for marking circles, a construction or ordinary school compass is suitable.
3. Construction pencil, tape measure and square, if necessary, determine the point in the middle of the panel.
4. Screwdrivers for clamping the pad, if it is of the usual type. You can buy self-clamping pads, they are easier to work with.
5. Cable for wiring. Calculate the quantity in advance, select the cross section for the fixtures. You may also need a corrugated wire conduit and a junction box (or more).
6. Fasteners for wires. These can be self-tapping screws on wooden partitions; dowel-nails are used for concrete.
7. Stepladder or table for convenient work under the ceiling. If the height is small, stools may be enough.

Crowns for wood or drywall are also suitable for plastic.

Before starting work, you need to prepare the room.Remove everything that interferes, cover the furniture with a film. If the room has no windows, put a lamp or hang a carrier.

Wiring diagram

You need to make a wiring diagram before starting work, this will help calculate the length of the cable, as well as consider the location of sockets and junction boxes. In addition, it is important:

1. Calculate the number of ceiling lights. One element usually captures from a meter to one and a half spaces. For good light, they can be placed every 50-60 cm, the maximum distance is no more than a meter. Distance from the walls - at least 30 cm.
2. Determine the exact position based on the width of the PVC panels. It is better if the lamps stand in the middle of the elements, it is much easier to make holes. When narrow panels are used, on the contrary, it is necessary to make holes at the junction so as not to greatly weaken the surface.
3. Wiring is laid as usual. It is better to make strobes in the walls, and use special fasteners with clamps on the ceiling. Lay parallel to the walls, turn at right angles, do not run the cable diagonally, cross it. Fasten firmly, leave enough margin to pull out the ends and connect to the lamp.

Wiring diagram.

Important! Before starting work with wiring, turning off the electricity is mandatory.

It is better to draw a diagram on paper, so it will be easier to carry out calculations and correctly plan the position of the elements. It is convenient to make marks with chalk on the ceiling or with a construction pencil.

Preparing the site, making a hole

Installing spotlights in a PVC panel requires proper preparation. It is easier to combine this work with editing, so there is less chance of making a mistake or spoiling the material.On the ceiling there should be marks for the location of fixtures and wires. Follow instructions:

1. Start installing panels. When the turn comes to the element in which you need to make a hole, put it in place and mark the center of the lamp.
2. Carefully remove the panel and draw a circle (or several, if there is more than one lamp per element).
3. When working with a screwdriver or a drill with a crown on a tree, you need to set the tool evenly and carefully run it. Do not press, the plastic is cut very easily, keep the fixture perpendicular. It is easier to put the panel between two stools.
4. If there is no crown of the required diameter, use a construction knife. First you need to carefully cut the upper part around the perimeter, pressing on the tip of the blade and punching through the surface step by step. Take your time, it is easy to damage the panel and ruin it. Another option is to make a hole anywhere in the circle, and then cut it around the perimeter with an electric jigsaw, on which it is better to put a plastic sheet with fine teeth.
5. Jagged edges can be removed with sandpaper. Then the surface will be smooth and the frame of the lamp will be pressed tightly. After preparing the holes, fix the panel by pulling the ends of the wires out.

The crown makes a perfectly shaped hole in seconds.

By the way! For easy installation, the wires should hang below the surface of the PVC panels by at least 15 cm.

If the elements are narrow, it is easier to place holes at the junction. To do this, you need to connect the two parts, mark the location of the hole and cut it out in the same way as described above. It is better to call an assistant to hold the panels so that they do not disperse when cutting.

Video: Making a hole in a plastic lining under a spotlight

Installation of fixtures in PVC panels

Installation of fixtures in a PVC panel will take a little time if the preparation is carried out correctly. Before starting, it is worth unpacking the equipment, inspecting it and figuring out how the latches work, so as not to spoil anything later. Follow these simple tips:

1. After fixing the panel, you need to connect the lamp to the output cable. To do this, the ends of the wires coming from the body are cleaned. This should be done in advance so as not to engage in work under the ceiling. It is more convenient to use an electrician's knife or a construction version with a sharp blade.
2. Fix the block to the ends of the cable connected to the ceiling. The most commonly used option is to insert the core into the hole and clamp it with a small screw (you will need a small Phillips screwdriver for this). Then connect the lamp in a similar way, it is more convenient if someone holds it during connection.
   Connection using terminal blocks.
3. Press the latches with your fingers so that the luminaire body enters the cut hole. Then push it all the way, the springs will squeeze the protrusions and tightly fix the element on the ceiling. If there was no bulb in the kit, you need to insert it before fixing the lamp.
4. After the installation is completed, check the operation of the fixtures. If everything is done correctly, there will be no problems.

If the luminaire has a removable ring, insert it into the panel.

Important! If work is carried out in the bathroom, toilet, kitchen or other room with humidity changes, it is better to choose lamps class IP44.

Installing lamps in plastic panels is not difficult if you prepare everything you need and understand the installation technology. It is better to use a crown to cut the hole, then it will have the perfect shape. It is desirable to connect the wires with blocks, and not with twists and electrical tape.