Install Sunken Spotlights on a Suspended Ceiling
Suspended ceilings were at one time dull, boring and offered few options. As suspended ceilings have evolved, so have your choices in texture and design. To keep pace with these new elements, lighting options also have increased and now offer a variety of surface fixtures as well as inset lights and sunken spot lights. These lights are attractive, functional and relatively easy to install.
Instructions
1. Select the locations for the spotlights. Mark each ceiling panel with the exact location of the spotlight. In most cases you want to center the light to keep the pattern uniform and the ceiling tile from looking disproportionate. Once you have decided which tiles the lights will be mounted in, remove the tiles, and bring them down to a more comfortable working level. Use the light fixture as a guide to carefully mark the area of the tile that needs to be removed. Double-check your measurements and your markings for accuracy to help eliminate mistakes and incorrect cuts.
2. Use the razor-blade cutter to cut along the lines. Work very slowly to get an accurate and smooth cut. Keep your fingers well back from the blade to prevent accidental cuts. Depending on the thickness of the tile, you might have to cut several times in order to fully penetrate the tile. Once the cut is completed, replace the tile in its appropriate spot in the ceiling grid. Remove the lights from their packages, and inventory the parts. They should come with a bracket made to neatly fit the ceiling grid. Place this bracket atop the ceiling tile, and carefully align the holes. Depending on the model you have purchased, the bracket should clip onto the T-rails of the ceiling grid.
3. Measure the distance from the ceiling grid to the overhead anchors where the current hanger wires are attached. Prepare new hanger wires to accommodate this length; 12 inches longer than the measurement usually is fine. Secure the hanger wires to the anchor points, then insert the other end into the T-rail. Twist the hanger wire securely in place, being certain not to raise the ceiling tile or grid when doing so. Secure two hanger wires at the end of each ceiling tile where a spotlight is to be installed.
4. Being careful not to put any of your weight on the ceiling grid, place the light fixture into the bracket, and secure it in place. Depending on the model and brand you are installing, some fixtures will snap into place, and others will be secured using screws. Once the light is in place, you are ready to complete your electrical wiring. Code requires the wiring to be supported off of the ceiling tiles, but you are not allowed to use the ceiling hanger wires to support the wires. The wires must have their own support system.
Tags: ceiling grid, hanger wires, ceiling tile, Depending model, each ceiling, Install Sunken, Install Sunken Spotlights