We chose an Armstrong Tegular Ceiling (Armstrong World Industries Inc., P.O. The installation steps vary from one manufacturer to the next, but not significantly. In this case, simply use masonry screws instead of nails to secure the perimeter molding that supports the ceiling at its edges. We installed our suspended ceiling in a wood-frame drywalled room, though concrete or concrete-block basement walls wouldn't have changed the installation much. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play if you intend to install drop-in, full-panel fluorescent ceiling lights. of space between the old and new ceilings to tilt the panels in place, and an additional 2 in. Some codes, however, will accommodate a lower ceiling height if it's part of a renovation project, so it pays to ask. Requirements vary, but most codes stipulate a minimum 7 1/2-ft. If a leak appears in the overhead plumbing, a suspended ceiling can mean the difference between a costly, time-consuming repair job and a minor inconvenience.Īll you need for a suspended ceiling is sufficient head clearance. While suspended ceilings are not for everyone, or for every situation, they make a lot of sense in basements and in first-floor rooms with bathrooms overhead. If you're worried about the institutional look, drop-in ceiling panels have become more attractive in recent years, with a wide range of designs to choose from. Comprised of a metal grid that supports lightweight panels, a suspended ceiling is well within the capabilities of most homeowners. And second, suspended ceilings are better sound barriers than drywall ceilings.įor the do-it-yourselfer, though, the real bonus is easy installation that requires only simple household tools. First, ducts, pipes and cables hidden above a dropped ceiling remain accessible for repair or modification. In the right situation, a suspended ceiling offers some real advantages over the permanent variety. For some types of luminaire, a cord grip may need to be purchased separately.įor more information please visit: your latest renovation project includes a new ceiling, don't panic at the thought of overhead drywall work. Suitable cord grips should be provided to securely retain the sheath of the flexible cord if strain is likely to occur on terminations within a luminaire.Flexible cords should not be allowed to rest on top of, or come into contact with the sharp edges of the inverted ‘T’ section of the ceiling grid.Flexible cord connections to luminaires should be as short as possible (ideally, a vertical drop from the fixed connection to the luminaire).In order to ensure compliance with Regulations 526.1, 522.6.201 and 522.8.1, the following points should all be observed: From the contractor’s point of view, such changes can result in longer lengths of flexible cords, which are often left to lie on the suspended ceiling for at least part of their length. However, the ease with which final connections can be made may be an invitation to the lighting engineer to relocate the luminaires within the suspended ceiling in order to achieve a different lighting effect or intensity. Moreover, the plug-in arrangement makes the final connection and testing, and subsequent maintenance or replacement of luminaires, particularly easy and quick to carry out. Both of these options will provide a suitable means of isolation for the connected luminaire.Īn advantage of the use of LSCs or socket-outlets is that it facilitates the completion of the fixed installation without the need to have prior knowledge of the exact locations of the luminaires. Alternatively, a suitable plug and socket outlet (correctly mounted) may be used. Where suspended ceilings contain wiring systems in escape routes, the cables shall be supported such that they will not be liable to premature collapse in the event of a fire (Regulation 521.11.201 refers).Īll connections, including extra-low voltage connections, are required to be made in accordance with Regulation 526.5 of BS 7671, such as a suitable accessory or enclosure complying with the appropriate standard.įinal connection of a luminaire can be achieved by the use of a luminaire supporting coupler (LSC) mounted immediately adjacent to the luminaire (for example mounted on a conduit box above it), keeping the final flex connection as short as practicable. Attaching the cables by suitable clips or cable ties to ceiling support rods.Providing a catenary system as shown in Fig 2, to which the wiring system may be attached using proprietary clips, cable-ties or cable-hangers at appropriate intervals.Providing a conduit or trunking system, or cable tray (metallic or non-metallic), fixed at suitable spacings to the building structure above the ceiling, or to walls or other structural elements.
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