Installation of track lights in a stretch ceiling

Connecting track lights is a simple process if the rail can be fixed to concrete or other rigid ground. But if there are stretch ceilings in the room, then the installation becomes much more complicated, so you need to understand all the nuances well in order to do the work correctly and not damage the canvas. To use the tracks, you need to prepare in advance, otherwise you will have to redo it later stretch ceiling.

Track systems on a stretch ceiling look great.

Track lights in a stretch ceiling - is it possible

Some time ago, it was believed that putting a track in a stretch ceiling was very difficult and the work should be done by professionals. But over time, technology has advanced and now you can choose one of the options that allow you to implement the idea without any problems:

1. Construction of a niche for the installation of a magnetic bus duct.The size can be different, some make it big enough so that the ceiling lights are hidden there, it all depends on the idea. Most often, the structure is assembled from a metal profile and reinforced with jumpers to increase rigidity. The surface to give attractiveness is sheathed with drywall and finished. The solution is reliable, but rather time-consuming to implement, so it is better not to use it without experience in this area.
2. Fixing a rigid base, which will be located exactly under the surface of the ceiling. It can be either a special bracket or a wooden block or a metal profile. After stretching the ceiling, you need to glue a small ring to make a hole and stretch the wire through it. To fix the busbar, you need to glue small spacers through which you can fearlessly screw in self-tapping screws.
   Options for installing the track on a stretch ceiling.
3. Using a built-in aluminum channel that is attached to the ceiling. Its dimensions and configuration are designed for the installation of the track, which greatly simplifies the work. The rigid construction of the base ensures the installation of systems of any length, and the edges of the profile allow you to fix the canvas without alterations and additional work.

If the latter option was chosen, you should find out if there is a special profile for sale, since it is still rare.

How to install a busbar so as not to tear the fabric

First you need to figure out how to install a track lamp if a mortgage is used, fixed in advance above the canvas. This is an uncomplicated solution that can be done even with minimal experience in construction. The instruction looks like this:

1. The size of the busbar trunking and its location is determined. First, a simple diagram with dimensions is drawn up. Then you need to mark the surface of the ceiling to indicate the position of the future structure.
2. Wiring is laid in advance, it is better to use a flexible cable with copper conductors. The cross section is selected according to the total power of the equipment; special fasteners are used for concrete floors so that the wire does not sag and holds securely. Leave enough margin to connect the track.
3. For mounting, a wooden block or rail of a suitable length is best suited. To set the optimal position, it is easier to use drywall hangers for fixing to the ceiling, since they can be bent as needed. Suspensions are fixed with dowels to concrete, and screwed to the bar with self-tapping screws.
   Metal corners are also suitable for fixing the beam.
4. After stretching the ceiling, you must first remove the wire, for this a plastic ring of a suitable size is glued, inside which a hole is cut.
   Rings and glue for stretch ceiling.
5. Next, you need to glue the washers through which you can screw in the self-tapping screws for attaching the magnetic busbar. Then the contacts are connected through the block or by soldering and the operation of the system is checked.

The overlay option is the easiest to implement.

By the way!

If there are no washers for self-tapping screws, you can stick pieces of adhesive tape on the ceiling and tighten the fasteners through them.

Technology of installation of the busbar trunking of luminaires in the recess

This is the most modern solution that is easy to implement if you have everything you need at hand. To carry out the work, you must first determine the length of the track and its location.The easiest way is if it comes from the wall, but you can also place it in the middle. The work is done like this:

1. It is necessary to buy a special aluminum channel designed for fixing the magnetic busbar. Its length is usually 1, 2 or 3 meters, they sell in the same place as the rest of the accessories for stretch ceilings. This element can have different colors, the option is selected according to the color of the canvas.
2. It is necessary to install the profile strictly according to the level of the future ceiling. To do this, use a laser level or pull a cord between opposite walls. The box is ideally mounted directly to the ceiling, but adjustable brackets can be used to set the exact position.
   Profile fastening directly to the ceiling.
3. When stretching the web, a cut is made in it according to the size of the installed aluminum channel, and the edges are tucked in the same way as in standard profiles, which ensures a quick and strong fastening. The result is a finished ceiling with a recess for the installation of a magnetic busbar.
4. The track is inserted into the prepared place. There is nothing complicated here, the main thing is to do everything carefully and check the reliability of fastening so that the element does not fall out of the channel.
5. You need to connect the bus through the output contacts. Wiring should be connected using a block, clamping the stripped ends of the wires or soldering them to ensure good contact. If necessary, a piece of heat shrink tubing is put on the joint and heated to protect it. The wiring should be laid in advance, since after stretching the ceiling it will not work.
6. Installation of fixtures on the busbar is carried out as usual - they snap into place and are held by a magnet.You can place them anywhere, after checking the work, the shades are adjusted for the best result.
   This is how the built-in track in the stretch ceiling looks like.
7. The system can be controlled using a standard switch, like a chandelier, or using a motion sensor or remote control.

The profile must match the tension fabric used.

Read also

Track lighting system in the interior of the apartment

 

Installation of track lights in a niche

This option allows you to make a niche of any size and configuration, as it is assembled in advance. It is important to make a structure to which you can then attach a profile in which the tension fabric will be fixed. The work is done like this:

1. First of all, a detailed project is drawn up, which indicates the exact dimensions and location of the box. Next, using a laser level, mark the location of the future stretch ceiling, after which several cords are pulled to create clear guidelines. It is important that the design is exactly level, as any flaws will be visible after work is completed.
2. Marking is done on the ceiling, then the elements are attached to the ceiling with dowels. Jumpers are placed on them, after which the lower part of the profile is screwed. It is important to make a rigid structure that can withstand high loads and does not deform over time. The minimum wall thickness is 28 mm, this is the size of the wall profile. It is better to choose a more durable metal profile with a thickness of at least 0.55 mm.
   The niche can be quite wide.
3. The structure is sheathed with drywall, it is important to do everything carefully so that there are no bumps at the corners and joints.You can additionally reinforce drywall after sheathing with mesh or fiberglass. Then the surface is puttied and sanded, after which it must be painted in the chosen color, since after stretching the canvas it will be much more difficult to do this.
4. Do not forget about laying the cable in the place of the future connection. You need to look at the magnetic bus, where the contacts are located, in order to bring the wiring to the right place. Leave at least 15 cm for easy connection.
5. The track is installed, first it is connected to the wiring using any method other than twisting. Next, it must be fixed, without a stretch ceiling, it is much easier to do this.
6. Then the canvas is stretched, fixing the profile on the outer sides of the box. After the installation is completed, ceiling lamps are placed and their operation is checked.

Video lesson: Overview and installation of a track system built into a stretch ceiling.

Installing track lights on a stretch ceiling is easier than many people think. To do this, you need to choose the appropriate method and carry out the work according to the instructions, following the recommendations and paying attention to the strength of fastening and the safety of electrical connections.