How to install the lamp in the rack ceiling

A slatted ceiling is a metal-profile frame fixed to the base ceiling, sheathed from the bottom with narrow panels - plastic, aluminum or steel slats. Wooden slats are also used, that is, ordinary lining. In fact, this is one of the types of suspended ceilings.

Slatted ceilings are of an open type, when the slats are placed between each other at intervals and closed - the slats are fixed close to one another. It is important, even before arranging the rack frame, to decide on the lighting of such a design, which lamps are suitable for this and how to install them.

Rack suspended ceiling construction.

Luminaires for slatted ceilings

For suspended slatted ceilings, a variety of types and types of lighting fixtures, depending on the design of the frame, the type of panels and the features of a particular lamp.

LED

LEDs are economical in energy supply and durable in use. This is especially beneficial for the family budget when a large number of LED spots are required.

They are not affected by voltage drops, they do not heat up the environment, they are not afraid of high humidity and they look aesthetically pleasing. All these factors increase the possibility of using LED elements for rack structures in different rooms.

Wiring before installing the ceiling.

Fluorescent

They give a uniform and at the same time bright and calm light. This makes them well suited for decorating large rooms where people are present for a long time - production workshops, large offices, shopping centers.

They are energy efficient and resistant to high humidity - the best option for installation in kitchens and bathrooms.

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Description and types of ceiling lights

 

Point

In slatted ceilings, spotlights, in addition to lighting, also serve as an original decorative design. It is important that they can set and at any time change the direction of light fluxes.

There are different shapes and sizes, they can serve both for the main and for additional lighting, give different shades of radiation. With all these qualities, they have earned great popularity in use on slatted ceilings.

Slatted ceiling with spotlights in the bathroom.

Recessed luminaires

Most suitable for mounting on slatted ceilings point models and raster designs. Depending on the type and dimensions of the model, its installation can take place simultaneously with the installation of the ceiling or after.

In each case, before starting work, you need to decide on the places in the false ceiling where there will be holes for lamps or lamp housings. It is necessary to carry out markings for the exact installation locations of individual light modules, as well as a general arrangement scheme for the entire ceiling area.

Composition of built-in lamps on a slatted ceiling.

General rules for installation

Installing fixtures in a rack ceiling will provide convenience and comfort, if you follow the rules:

• If point models will be the main lighting in the room, the quantity is determined at the rate of 1 lamp per 2 sq.m. area.
• It is important to study the specifications of the light source to ensure uniform illumination.
• When drawing up the layout of individual modules, it is necessary to take into account, along with the beauty of the light composition, its functional significance. It is important to determine the intensity of illumination of individual areas of the room. It is required differently: more powerful for the dining area, weaker for the recreation area, etc.
• Even before mounting the rack frame, draw up a wiring diagram and connect electrical wires to each light module. It is unlikely that it will be possible to fix anything after installation without destroying individual structural elements.

The process of mounting a rack ceiling made of aluminum with light lines.

Care must be taken when installing halogen lighting elements - in working condition they are very hot. This feature can lead to adverse effects on the hanging material, such as deformation of the plastic panels.

Scheme of fastening the lamp in the rack ceiling.

Tools and materials for installation

It is better to entrust the installation of any electrical appliances to professionals. Such work requires special knowledge and skills. But if there is no way out, then with confidence and preparation, installation can be carried out independently. The first step is to study the instructions for the fixtures, there should be a diagram of their assembly and installation.

Before starting the installation of fixtures in the rack ceiling, you need to prepare tools and materials:

• tape measure for a length of at least 4 m, ruler;
• caliper, pencil;
• electric jigsaw and electric drill with a set of drills of different diameters;
• building level;
• hammer, screwdriver, knife, scissors;
• hacksaw blade for cutting metal;
• fixing dowels, bolts, self-tapping screws;
• mounting metal profile;
• insulating tape;
• stepladder.

Dismantling ceiling slats.

Fastening technology

The installation of fixtures on a suspended rack ceiling is carried out in the following order.

1. Electrical wiring is laid on the base ceiling according to the scheme, with connections to each light module. It is better if it is placed in special corrugated tubes - this will facilitate its fastening, increase the reliability and safety of operation.
2. On the previously marked sections of the rail, a drill with a nozzle drill makes holes for the lamp body.
3. On the base ceiling, with the help of self-tapping screws and hangers, a frame of guides and rack metal profiles is attached. The frame is sheathed from below with decorative panels (slats). When fastening profiles and laying panels, the location of the lamps is taken into account.
4. Check the coincidence of the fixing points of the fixtures with the holes on the panels. Thermal protection rings are installed over the channels, they isolate the panel from the influence of temperature when the lighting device is heated.
5. It is important to make neat holes with the exact diameter for the lamps. To do this, it is better to use an electric jigsaw or, alternatively, a sharp knife. To make the nests invisible, they should be made with a diameter slightly smaller than the dimensions of the light module.
6. For rooms with variable humidity (kitchen, bathroom) use lamps with special shades with a waterproofing seal.
7. Each lamp is separately connected to the common wiring through a special terminal block. It is not allowed to make a serial connection from lamp to lamp. If the ceiling area is large, you need to place a separate junction box near a certain group of fixtures.

The overall composition of ceiling lights can be well complemented by the installation of side decorative lighting modules on the walls under the ceiling.