How to fix spotlights to a stretch ceiling. Installation of luminaires in a stretch ceiling: detailed installation instructions. Installation of an overhead lamp

When I decided to make repairs in the hallway, one of the first questions that arose was the question of choosing the type of ceiling decoration and which ceiling lamps to install. Having many years of experience in operating a PVC stretch ceiling in a bathroom and living room, it was not necessary to choose the type of ceiling for a long time. I decided to install a PVC stretch ceiling, due to its many advantages over other types of ceiling finishes.

I had to think a little about ceiling lamps. On the one hand, I wanted to install modern LED spotlights in the ceiling, and on the other hand, there was a homemade set of chandelier and hand-made sconces in the hallway. I liked them, and I didn't want to part with either the chandelier or the sconce.

In the end, a compromise solution was found, the chandelier and sconces at the entrance to the hallway should be left hanging in the same places, and in the hallway corridor, where a single-lamp lamp hung on the wall, installed recessed into the stretch ceiling Spotlights.

Before installing the stretch ceiling, it is necessary to lay electrical wiring, and in order to lay the wires, it is necessary to develop electrical circuit, based on the type and number of lamps, the type of bulbs and their power.

Choosing a type of light bulb for a recessed ceiling lamp

Before purchasing a luminaire built into a suspended ceiling, you need to select the type of bulbs and determine the required number of bulbs to ensure sufficient illumination of the room. Currently, four types of lamps are used for installation in recessed ceiling lamps: incandescent, halogen, compact (they are also called energy-saving or fluorescent lamps) and LED. Each type of light bulb has its own advantages and disadvantages, in addition, it affects the minimum distance between the installation horizon of a suspended ceiling and a stationary one, which is a determining factor in rooms with low ceilings.

Using the table below, you can easily make the best choice of the type of light bulbs for a false ceiling, based on your requirements and boundary conditions.

Table for selecting the type of light bulbs for recessed ceiling luminaires
Technical specifications	Lamp type
	Incandescent	Halogen	Energy saving	LED
Minimum distance between main and false ceilings *, cm	10-12	5-6	10-12	5-6
Supply voltage, V	220	12, 220	220	12, 220
Luminous flux *, Lm / W	10-15	15-20	50-70	80-120
Maximum power *, W	40	40	40	7
Color temperature, ° K	2700	3000	2700, 3300, 4200, 5100, 6400	2700, 3300, 4200, 5100
Service life *, hour	1000	4000	8000	70000
Price	Very low	Low	Average	High

The technical parameters marked with * may differ upward or downward depending on the design of the luminaire and the light bulb, the power of the light bulb, the manufacturer, and the type of false ceiling. For example, PVC stretch ceilings are afraid of heating more than 60 ° C, which limits the permissible power of light bulbs in recessed luminaires.

It should be noted that halogen lamps designed for supply voltages of 12 V and 220 V are very sensitive to exceeding the supply voltage and often burn out from this. For 12 V halogen lamps, a step-down transformer or a power supply (adapter) is required, for which you must not forget, in the case of installing a false ceiling without access to the ceiling space, provide a special place on the wall.

You can get more detailed information about incandescent and halogen, energy-saving, LED lamps by visiting the pages of the site specially dedicated to them.

Calculation of power and number of fixtures

The power of the lamps depends on the size of the room (area, height and shape), the color of the walls and furniture, the purpose of the room and the preferences of the owner. Someone likes bright light, while someone likes warm, diffused light of low brightness.

An accurate calculation of the power and number of lamps, taking into account all factors, is almost impossible to perform. For an estimated calculation, you can use the illumination data presented in the table, thanks to which, taking into account the luminous flux, depending on the type of light bulb, you can determine how much and what power needs to be installed in the luminaire room, depending on its type.

Table for calculating the power and number of lamps depending on the type of room
Room type	Power required to illuminate 1m 2 of the area of ​​the room depending on the type of lamp
	Incandescent	Halogen	Energy saving	LED
Children	40	30	10	5
Kitchen	30	25	7	4
Living room, bathroom, toilet	25	20	6	3
Bedroom, hallway, corridor	20	15	5	2
Utility rooms	10	7	2	1

Consider an example of a calculation that I did for the hallway corridor. It was planned to install LED ceiling spotlights. The corridor is shaped like a T with plots of 2.8 m 2 and 4.5 m 2. The total area of ​​the corridor was 7.3 m2. Let's calculate the required power of the fixtures 7.3 × 2 = 15.6 W. Since the ceiling height was 2.75 m and the walls were planned to be painted in creme brulee color, taking into account the complex shape of the corridor, the optimal solution would be to install four ceiling spotlights with LED lamps installed in them with a small margin, with a power of 5.5 W. supply voltage 220 V with pin base GU5.3. A pin plinth for suspended ceilings is good because it has small dimensions, which is important when the ceiling space is small in height.

On the walls in the corridor, before the renovation, there were pictures of artists that were planned to be left in their original places after the renovation was completed. Therefore, for undistorted color reproduction, white light LED lamps with a color temperature of 4000 K were chosen. If you need warm light, then you should choose a lamp with a color temperature of 2700 K.

It should be noted that it is not always advisable to use built-in ceiling lamps in rooms as the only source of illumination. A much better result can be obtained by using additional wall lamps or table lamps in the work or leisure area. In this case, the power of the lamps in the ceiling luminaires can be reduced.

In the presence of local lighting fixtures, it is quite possible to completely abandon the fixtures built into the suspended ceiling, replacing them with ceiling lighting with LED strip. So, when solving the issue of lighting the premises of an apartment, there is a place for creative imagination to unfold.

The choice of wire for wiring spotlights

For laying the power supply wiring for four selected lamps with a total power of 22 W, any double-insulated electrical wire designed for wiring is suitable. A copper stranded double connecting wire, for example, type PVA 2 × 0.75, is best suited. You don't have to think about the cross-section of the wire cores, since the maximum current will not exceed 0.1 A.

When using 12 V halogen lamps in ceiling luminaires, the wire cross-section must be calculated. One such light bulb with a power of 60 W consumes a current of 5 A. And if ten light bulbs are needed for lighting, then the current consumption will be 50 A.

Selection and device of a recessed spot ceiling lamp

The range of recessed ceiling lamps in any lighting store is huge, but they are all arranged the same and differ only in the type of finish of the case and additional decorations. In some models of recessed luminaires, it is possible to change the direction of the luminous flux within a small range.

Since I needed to illuminate the corridor, the choice fell on the simplest type of recessed lamp, which also included a base socket.

Any recessed ceiling lamp consists of a body, which is a shaped profile ring with pads for attaching two springs with ears. Depending on the type and power of the light bulbs, the luminaire bodies can be of different diameters and they may be absent, as in the lamp in the photo above, or an electric socket, usually E14, is installed.

A special place is occupied by LED ceiling spotlights, in which the LEDs are installed directly in the housing on a printed circuit board.

The light bulb in such a lamp cannot be replaced anymore, and if it fails, you will have to change the entire lamp or look for LEDs to replace it. Such lamps are expensive.

For luminaires without holders, a spring in the form of a cut ring serves to fix the light bulb in the body.

The light bulb is inserted into the luminaire body and is fixed due to the fact that the spring ring, unclenching, enters a specially made groove in the body. Such a luminaire is suitable for installing both halogen and LED bulbs. In the case of replacing halogen bulbs with LED ones or vice versa, you must remember to check what supply voltage they are designed for.

To fix the ceiling spotlight, in the false ceiling, regardless of its type, a hole is cut in a given place on the ceiling, slightly less than the outer diameter of the flange of the lamp body.

The ears of the springs are brought together by hands to such an extent that they go into the hole in the ceiling. The ears are inserted into the ceiling opening and released. Leaning on the inner surface of the false ceiling, the ears pull the luminaire all the way into the lower surface of the false ceiling with a flange and thus fix the luminaire.

Such a simple design of fixing the ceiling lamp allows you to hide the fixing elements and easily remove the lamp if necessary. It is enough to grasp the base of the lamp and pull it down.

After installing the luminaire body on the false ceiling, a wire is passed through it and connected using a terminal block to the socket. The cartridge is put on the base of the light bulb, the light bulb is inserted into the luminaire body and fixed with an expanding spring.

Electrical wiring diagram
for spotlights

Before the installation of the false ceiling, after choosing the type of bulbs, calculating their power, the number of lamps and their installation points, a wiring diagram is developed. When developing an electrical circuit, it is necessary to take into account the points and methods of connecting the wires to each other and to the lamps.

Since the wires were already coming out of the wall, to which the wall lamp was previously connected, it was decided to connect the ceiling lamps to these wires. It was planned to install a suspended PVC stretch ceiling, and the wires came out above the level of the stretch ceiling, and, therefore, there would be no access to the wire connection points after the ceiling was installed. Therefore, it was decided to make all the connections of the wires in the most reliable way, twisting followed by soldering with tin-lead solder. The ration points have been marked on the wiring diagram.

When choosing a place for installing lamps and chandeliers in rooms where there is a TV or computer, one must not forget that the angle of incidence of the light beam is equal to the angle of reflection. Taking this rule into account, the lamps must be installed in places that exclude their reflection on the monitor screen, therefore, in order to select the installation points for the lamps, it is necessary to think about how the furniture will be arranged, where the TV or computer monitor will be installed.

When choosing bulbs for a supply voltage of 220 V, installation of additional devices is not required. In the case of using lamps for a supply voltage of 12 V, it is necessary to provide a place for installing transformers or adapters, taking into account their overall dimensions and possible access to them for maintenance or repair.

Attention! Before connecting the ceiling spotlights, to prevent electric shock, it is necessary to de-energize the wiring. To do this, switch off the corresponding circuit breaker in the distribution board and check the reliability of the disconnection using the phase indicator.

Installation of electrical wiring
for connecting spot ceiling lights

After purchasing lamps, determining their installation locations, purchasing materials and packaging, you can proceed with the installation of electrical wiring.

The installation of electrical wiring for connecting the luminaires can be performed at any stage of the renovation of the premises, up to the installation of suspended ceilings. But when repairing the walls in the corridor, it turned out that the light from the existing lamp was not enough. Therefore, the installation of the electrical wiring had to be done in the first place, and temporary sockets with energy-saving bulbs were connected to the electrical wiring for lighting.

Before installing the wires, it is necessary to mark the installation locations of the lamps on the ceiling (circled in the photo), and the attachment points of the wires. The wires, to avoid sagging, depending on their rigidity, are fixed in increments of 40-50 cm.

To fix the wires on the ceiling and walls, there are special dowel-clamps (in the photo on the left) and nail clamps (in the photo on the right) of different sizes. To fix the wire with the dowel-clamp on the wall, you need to drill a hole, put the dowel-clamp on the wire and drive the dowel into the hole. To secure the wire with a nail bracket, you need to press the wire against the wall with it and hammer in the nail. Suitable for mounting wires and cables on wood, plastic, plaster.

Nail brackets hammered into the concrete plaster ceiling ceiling can fall out and remain on the PVC sheet. Therefore, this type of fastening was discarded. It turned out that there were no dowel-clamps at hand, so I used a simple and reliable method of fixing the wires on the wall, using a clamp made of PVC tube. A hole is drilled in the ceiling, a dowel is hammered into it, a self-tapping screw is screwed into the dowel through the hole made in the clamp. Since the weight of the wire is negligible, any self-tapping screw and dowel of the smallest standard size will do.

Making a wiring harness
ceiling spotlights

Since the electrical wiring for ceiling lamps after installing the stretch ceiling will be inaccessible for maintenance and repair, all wire connections in the inter-ceiling space must be made extremely reliably. Typically, connections are made using terminal blocks such as Wago. But the most reliable type of wire connection is soldering, this is the method I used.

To minimize the amount of work at a height under the ceiling, a harness was prefabricated, which will only need to be fixed to the ceiling and connected to the household wiring.

To determine the length of the wires of the bundle and soldering points, according to the previously made markings on the ceiling, the distances between the wires for connection and the places of installation of the lamps were measured. The measurement results were immediately applied to the electrical circuit, which was also electrical installation.

The harness was made of double-insulated copper stranded wire (the core is wrapped with silk thread and covered with PVC). For convenience, the wires were twisted together in a pigtail.

After stripping the insulation from the wires, they were tinned with solder. In the second compartment of the corridor, the wires had to branch out. Therefore, the wires were twisted in pairs and soldered with solder. Please note that to increase the reliability of the insulation, the wire connections were made with a shift relative to each other.

Insulating tubes were put on the wires before the connection, which, after the end of the soldering, were shifted to the connection points. To exclude the displacement of the insulating tubes, they were fixed on both sides by cambric tightly fitting on the wires. Together with the displacement of the connection points, this method of insulation guaranteed the reliability of the wiring. Insulating the wires could be done with ordinary insulating tape. to avoid confusion, the cambric was marked.

A small section of the wire harness, when bending the crossbeam, passed below the level of the false ceiling. This section of electrical wiring ran under plaster. For the reliability of the insulation, a PVC tube was additionally put on it.

Once the harness has been secured to the ceiling, it is time to connect it to the apartment wiring. For this, the length of the conductors of the double wire coming out of the wall was cut with an offset. Since the wire was old, its insulation became rough and, in order not to damage the conductors, it was thermally removed using a soldering iron. The conductors were stripped and tinned with solder, and insulating tubes were put on them.

It remains to wind the ends of the bundle on the cores of the network wire, solder with solder and put on insulating tubes. Thanks to the technology of shifting the wire connections, the tubes are needed practically for human safety and aesthetics. Accidentally, the wires of the electrical wiring cannot be connected to each other.

The connection point is suspended from the ceiling using a clamp with a self-tapping screw. The wiring for the spotlights is complete.

Temporary electrical sockets in the places of the future installation of spotlights are connected using terminal blocks, the bulbs are screwed in and you can continue the repair.

Installation of LED ceiling light
on PVC stretch ceiling

The above describes the technology of installing ceiling lamps, including LED ones, on any suspended ceiling, rigid structure, for example, plasterboard, slatted ceiling or Armstrong. In the case of installing a spot ceiling lamp on a stretch ceiling made of PVC or other plastic material, it is necessary to install an additional mount, otherwise the ceiling will sag under the weight of the lamps.

For these purposes, special fittings are produced. The photo shows a universal platform (ramp) for fixing spotlights. The platform has the shape of a cone, the surface of which is a step.

To adjust the diameter of the mounting hole of the platform for a specific type of ceiling lamp, it is enough to cut off the extra steps from the cone with a sharp knife.

The platform is fixed to the main ceiling with perforated steel tape. A piece of tape of the required length is unwound from the roll and cut off with metal scissors.

On the platform for fastening the tape with a self-tapping screw, there are two platforms with holes. If there is no small-length self-tapping screw, then you can screw a long one. The protruding part must be removed with side cutters.

The fixtures for the spotlights are screwed to the ceiling with self-tapping screws, the LED lights are connected for testing. Everything works, you need to remove the bulbs and you can start installing the stretch ceiling.

After the stretch ceiling is installed, proceed to the installation of the lamps. To prevent the PVC film from tearing and not getting too hot, before making a hole in it for the lamp, a special plastic thermal insulating ring is glued in the place of its installation with a special glue.

The film is cut out along the inner circumference of the ring with a sharp knife, the cartridge is removed and the platform is centered. The perforated tape is easily deformed, and the ceiling sags, so you can easily adjust the height and position of the platform in the horizontal plane.

Installation of the ceiling lamp on the platform will ensure its reliable operation, eliminate the stretch ceiling sagging and damage it due to excessive heating when using halogen bulbs.

In the photo you can see the final result of the installation of ceiling spotlights in a stretch ceiling.

Ceiling arrangement is a whole complex of works, which includes the choice of the type of surface, determination of the option of the light source, arrangement of electrical wiring and much more.

At the same time, there is a misconception that everything is easier with tension structures - it is enough to decide on the option of interest for the canvas, the light source and that's it. But this is not the case.

If you want to organize an unusual and unlike other interior design, then you can not do without spotlights.

Let's figure out how to choose them, calculate the number and mount them on the ceiling.

Requirements for the selection and installation of luminaires

By the nature of the fastening, the luminaires are divided into internal and external (external). In the first case, the light bulb is, as it were, inside the ceiling structure ("hidden" in it).

Outdoor lamps are located at a level below the canvas with the obligatory installation of a special platform. Overhead devices are mounted in the same way as chandeliers.

As for the built-in lamps, in them the body and the light bulb are located in the inner part of the canvas. Outside, there is only a protective glass and a ring for decorative decoration.

In contrast to outdoor luminaires, indoor luminaires are more susceptible to heat. This is especially dangerous if the light source is an incandescent or halogen lamp. On the other hand, they look more interesting visually.

A detailed video tutorial on installing lamps in stretch ceilings

Today the following lamp options are used:

• the main option is the use of lamps with halogen lamps of the MR16 series, as well as products with a simple lamp - R63;
• a rare option is energy-saving lamps, which are almost never used when installing tension structures. The reason is the large size of the light sources. This means that the distance between the main ceiling and the installed canvas should be as large as possible. If the room has low ceilings, then the option is unacceptable;
• LED lights are a great option. Their minus is weak light, therefore, using lamps as the main lighting will not work;
• LED strip is a great option when you need to create a stress-free backlight.

When choosing and installing spotlights, it is worth considering the following parameters:

1. Appearance. It is important that the product has a round shape. If you use products with a square or rectangular base, then you will not be able to install the lamp in the stretch fabric. In this case, the body of the product from the inside must be equipped with a flange for seating. Also pay attention to the distance between the body diameters (outside and inside). The permissible distance is from 10 mm. It is important that after installation, the luminaire finish overlaps the thermal insulation ring. If you do not take this recommendation into account, then appearance the ceiling will be damaged. Light bulbs used in luminaires must have a special coating.

2. Power. When purchasing products and subsequent planning of installation, consider the capacity of the product. This is important given the potential for heat build-up and surface damage. If the PVC film heats up more than 60 degrees Celsius, it can lead to deformation of the expensive structure. To avoid such problems, the power of conventional lamps should not exceed 60, and halogen - 35 watts. If additional thermal insulation is provided, then the use of lamps of higher power is allowed.

3. Installation. Please note that when installing spotlights, a certain margin of distance between the base and stretch ceiling is required. On average, products with halogens take 10-12 centimeters, and with incandescent lamps - 5-7 centimeters. It is forbidden that the body of the stretching cloth and the body of the light source touch each other. You can see this nuance in the video editing. As for the diameter for mounting the luminaire, it should not be more than 15 centimeters. If the products are installed in rooms with high humidity, then it would be prudent to install products with protection against moisture and dust (IP65 series). When using halogens, remember that they can be powered by different voltages (220 or 12 volts). In the latter case, the use of a transformer is mandatory.

What to consider when installing luminaires?

Depending on the functionality of the room where you plan to install the fixtures, select a suitable device.

The following lamp variants are possible here:

• halogens;
• fluorescent lamps;
• incandescent;
• cardan;
• Spotlights.

When choosing, it is worth focusing on the permissible power of the product. So, the maximum power of built-in lamps should be 40 W, halogen lamps - 20-40 W, and ordinary lamps - 60 W.

Of all these options, spotlights are the most in demand. This is not difficult to explain. It is they who provide the expected effect of light, allow you to competently illuminate or zone the room.

In this case, spotlights must meet a number of requirements:

• the built-in part must be round. There are no special requirements for the outside - here it is allowed to show a flight of imagination;
• seat diameter - from one centimeter or more. This is a key point, because the installed light source must reliably overlap the heat-insulating ring (the latter is fixed to the tension cloth);
• the presence of a massive side hiding a special ring is required.

Before performing the work, it is worthwhile to carry out a number of preparatory measures:

• conduct wiring to the installation site (this will be mentioned below);
• install step-down transformers (important if lamps powered by 12 volts are mounted);
• mount in the right attachment points;
• calculate the required number of lamps. Here it is worth considering two points - the amount of electricity consumed and the quality of lighting. To avoid problems, the scheme for installing light sources should be drawn and analyzed in advance. As for the calculation itself, it is recommended to mount one lamp for 1.5-2 meters of area. At the same time, keep in mind that exceeding or decreasing the permissible number of lamps will look ugly.

• perform all installation work after turning off the light. When doing this, use dielectric gloves that can protect against household voltage. It is not recommended to carry out wiring work without appropriate experience;
• during installation, it may be necessary to install holes in the ceiling. To avoid damage to existing wiring, it will not be superfluous to find an installation plan. As a last resort, it is worth finding a place for wiring using a special device;
  when working with halogens, it is worth working with rubber gloves. If you touch the surface of the lamp with your fingers, then turbidity and subsequent failure of the device are possible;
• when choosing, keep in mind that the light can shine through the stretch fabric. To avoid this problem, give preference to special fixtures. Their peculiarity is that only mounting elements enter the ceiling. In this case, the light source itself (light bulb) must be mounted in a decorative item. A variant of the product with a special protective casing is possible;
• when installing halogen lamps, it is recommended to buy a device for a smooth start, which guarantees the maximum resource of the product and the absence of consequences in the event of voltage surges.

Installation of spotlights in a stretch ceiling

Installation of spotlights: positive and negative

Installation of spotlights has a number of advantages:

1. Convenience of lighting. If necessary, it is possible to highlight a specific part of the room, which is very useful for zoning.

2. Guaranteed uniformity in lighting. The compactness of the device allows you to install it in any part of the room.

This means that there are no more unlit areas in the room.

Many people believe that installing a chandelier with a large number of lamps is guaranteed to solve the lighting issue.

But this is not the case.

Even the most powerful light source may not be able to cope with the illumination of distant areas.

In addition, there is always a problem with the appearance of its own shadow in a certain corner.

3. Profitability. One of the main advantages of spotlights is minimal energy consumption. As a result, the light bill will be lower.

4. Compactness of spotlights allows you to successfully save space. Thanks to this, even the most intricate designs can be organized.

5. Light is scattered at an angle of 30-40 degrees. Thanks to this, it is possible to qualitatively illuminate objects that are on the floor. This feature is useful when organizing a workplace where high-quality lighting is needed.

6. Great resource. On average, spotlights can last longer than a conventional chandelier.

7. Minimal risk. Most of these light sources are powered by 12 volts, which increases the safety of the point system, and also saves the owner money. In addition, any type of lamp (even LED) can be installed in point devices.

8. A wide range of colors. Thanks to the variety of lamps, it is possible to create the interior of your dreams.

9. Affordable price. Compared to the cost of purchasing the same chandelier, compact light sources are more profitable.

Minuses:

1. High requirements for knowledge at the design stage. In order to competently build lighting using spotlights, it is worth considering a number of factors - the rules for wiring, the features of using the power supply, the nuances of installation, and so on. A beginner cannot cope with such work without skills.

2. Many spotlights require a certain mounting space, which is unacceptable for rooms with low ceilings.

3. Such products are too close to the tension belt. This creates certain risks of overheating and surface damage.

In this video you will see the whole process of installing a spotlight.

Installation of spotlights: nuances and secrets

The process of mounting point-type light sources is organized in two important stages - preparation for fasteners and installation itself.

The preparation process takes place according to the following algorithm:

• determine in advance the attachment points where the products will be installed;
  pull the conductors to the installation site, which will subsequently be switched with the light source. Please note that separate wires should be pulled up to each product, after which they should be combined in a box;
• check that the wiring and connections are correct. Do the work with a multimeter. At the same stage, make sure how well the posts and the frame are fixed, whether the number of lighting points meets the current requirements;
• install structures intended for the subsequent installation of luminaires. Here you will need to put elements for fastening and subsequent installation of the canvas;
  light sources are fastened to special fittings or to fixing devices intended for these purposes (as a rule, it is on them that the power cable and protection device are installed);
• install the ceiling and, after completing the work, make cuts to install the ring and wiring. Glue the ring on the marked place. The latter has two functions - it helps the tensioning web to withstand the load, and also provides a hole of the required diameter for connecting (outputting wires). Before fixing the luminaires to the stretch ceiling, make sure that the stop ring is glued correctly and properly. Otherwise, when performing work, the fabric or film canvas may be damaged;
• use plastic rings for operation (specially designed for luminaires). Alternatively, the use of universal products is allowed;
• remove the wires that were laid in the previous step from the cut part.

The next stage is the installation of spotlights in the stretch ceiling.

Correct and incorrect installation of spotlights

Here the sequence is as follows:

• under the surface of the tension structure, find the plastic clips for the fixtures. It is in this place that you attach a special circle. Please note that the diameter of the hole in the clip must be covered by the mounted light source;
• connect the fixtures to the wiring and fix them to the base. If you want to decorate the surface, it is recommended to make an edging from a decorative profile. Press the spring fasteners of the luminaire to the body part and install them in the already prepared opening. Try not to twist. The ideal option is to use terminal blocks for connecting wires. Otherwise, the risk of overheating of the wiring or a short circuit increases, which in the case of a stretch ceiling can lead to a number of problems.
  adjust the position of the lights (higher or lower). Please note here that the springs on the side allow you to return the device to its original position;
• install the rest of the luminaires in the same way. To exclude overheating of the canvas and its deformation, special rings are put on the lamps (one or two are enough). At the last stage, the luminaire is adjusted taking into account the level of the ceiling;
• after completing the work, evaluate the location of the luminaires on the stretch ceiling, the level of installation, as well as the angle of refraction of light.

Installation of luminaires in a stretch ceiling should be discussed with the craftsmen before starting the installation work on the installation of the ceiling sheet. Also, in most cases, the customer independently conducts all the necessary wiring to the points of the proposed installation of lighting fixtures.

Today, two types of lighting are most common: central lighting and spot lighting. We will talk about setting these types further.

Installing a chandelier on a stretch ceiling

Built-in luminaires are installed in specially prepared stands, consisting of a ring and legs. The ring for this system must be made of a heat-resistant material, since during operation it can be exposed to high temperatures.

The power of lighting lamps built into a stretch ceiling should not exceed 60 W, the power of halogen lamps - 35 W.

The legs of the posts must be made of metal aluminum strips. The height of the legs is adjusted based on the level of the stretch ceiling relative to the standard one.

IMPORTANT! Plywood is not a suitable material for making rings, although many craftsmen use it. Plywood is an initially uneven material, moreover, it is seriously susceptible to deformation.

The rack is fixed to the ceiling even before the tensioning system is installed. After completing work with a tension flow, the rack is set with it in a level.

The ceiling film is cut at the places where the fixtures are supposed to be located. The incision site is pre-glued with protective rings (thin plastic washer), due to which the craftsmen strengthen the holes.

Now you can connect the luminaire itself, after putting on its body several heat-insulating rings, thanks to which the ceiling film will not burn due to the heating of the luminaire.

The installation of the chandelier on a stretch ceiling is completed by adjusting the luminaire to the level of the ceiling.

The chandelier can also be installed on an old mount - on a hook, for example, or mounted on a platform prepared in advance:

• in the first case, a reinforcing ring is glued under the hook, the film inside this ring is then cut through, the chandelier is hung on the hook, and the resulting hole in the stretch ceiling is closed with a masking bell.
• when installing on the site, the places for the holes from the screws are marked, the indicated points are reinforced with tread washers, through which the base of the lamp is screwed to the site with screws.

Scheme 1 - Installation scheme of the luminaire in a stretch ceiling

Installation of spotlights in a stretch ceiling

This technology is in many ways similar to the installation of central lighting.

You will need:

• lamp;
• Forex reinforcing ring;
• cyanoacrylate glue;
• a box according to the dimensions of the selected luminaire with acrylic plastic ventilation holes (fixed to the existing ceiling);
• reinforcing ring;
• knife;
• laser.

Photo 1 - Installation of spotlights in a stretch ceiling

Work progress when installing spotlights:

1. Install the fixing profile.
2. Install the boxes for each spotlight at the required height. Each of them must have a nut to adjust the height. Make sure that the bottom edge of the box is at the level of the stretched ceiling.
3. Use a laser or a plumb line on the floor to mark the location of each fixture - this is necessary to quickly find the location of the boxes after stretching the film.
4. With the curtain in place, punch holes for each spotlight. It is possible to determine their location not only by the marked points on the floor, but also by probing the stretched canvas of the ceiling.
5. Mark the centers of the fixtures with a marker on the film. Spread the marked places with a layer of glue, on which you place the reinforcing ring.
   

   IMPORTANT! The marked center of the luminaire on the foil must coincide with the center of the retaining ring!

6. The film must be cut in the middle of the reinforcement ring.
7. Through the holes in the film, you need to adjust the height of the box for the spotlight.
8. The work is completed by connecting the electrical cable and placing the lamp in the box.

Different spot lighting systems require minor adjustments in installation. Here are examples of installation of branded products:

Table 1 - examples of installation of branded products

Installation of two-level stretch ceilings

Installation of two-level stretch ceilings allows you to experiment more with room lighting.

Installation of two-level stretch ceilings. VIDEO

$ Cost of central lighting installation

Work on the installation of central lighting or spotlights is included in the list of additional work and is paid separately.

Installation cost:

• Kiev: 50-200 UAH / piece
• Moscow: 150-600 rubles / piece.

This short article will be primarily about how NOT to install fixtures in a stretch ceiling. That is, about mistakes during installation.

And regarding the power supply of specific lamps - a driver (PSU) for them can be bought on Ali Express, they cost a penny (less than a dollar).

Repair of LED lamps

The faulty lamps revealed the following. It turned out that the whole problem was in low-quality LEDs. They are soldered to the heat sink pads, and the supply wires are soldered to these pads.

I bought these LEDs in a radio components store (50 rubles) and soldered them. As a result, I repaired the lamps, but the electrical wires remained as shown in the photo above. Naturally, I cannot give any guarantees either for the fixtures or for the connections in the ceiling.

The ceiling was pulled over again, now in the evenings in this bedroom “just space!”. (I wasn't, but I fantasize))

Conclusions on installation of built-in luminaires in a stretch ceiling

When installing LED, and any other luminaires in a stretch ceiling, the following installation and connection rules must be followed:

• The luminaire should be easily removable for cleaning and replacement;
• The wires suitable for the luminaire should not be stretched, should have good insulation and be securely fixed to the base ceiling;
• There must be access to electrical connections;
• Connections should be made with quick-release terminals such as Wago 222;
• Must have access to everyone electronic units lamp;
• When removed, the luminaire must remain in a salable condition so that it can be changed under warranty;
• Installation is carried out using a special ring and a support platform, so as not to create a load and not to spoil the ceiling film;
• When installing recessed luminaires in a stretch ceiling, in which the light bulb is recessed into the ceiling, you need to take care of the thermal regime.

Examples of correct installation of luminaires in a stretch ceiling

This is how the place in the stretch ceiling should look like, where the lamp will now be installed:

Ring, platform (only edge visible) and wire for mounting the spotlight

A two-piece LED spotlight in a stretch ceiling. Stylish, comfortable, practical!

This is what the correct installation of fixtures in stretch ceilings looks like.

Luminaire installed

As a result, you get the following ceiling (this is a corridor):

Did it seem to you that one lamp is off? This is a motion sensor, there are models that, like lamps, are built into the ceiling:

Stretch ceiling motion sensor

An increasingly popular solution is the installation of a stretch ceiling. It is beautiful and graceful, and also easy to maintain. When installation is planned, you need to immediately think carefully about which light sources will be used for the ceiling lighting. The choice is essentially between a chandelier and spotlights (also called "spotlights", by analogy with theatrical lighting), provided that the fixing will be done together. And if everything is pretty clear with the chandelier - its installation is carried out on a dowel-hook, then how the spotlights are installed in the stretch ceiling from start to finish, and also what nuances must be taken into account - the topic of this article.

Installation instructions

Having decided on the choice in favor of spotlights, it is necessary even before the installation of the stretch ceiling is made, to firmly decide in what places on the ceiling they will be located. A metal console will pass through these points, to which the fixtures will be mounted. Also, special holes will be made in them, around which protective plastic round plates will be attached to strengthen the ceiling in a specific place where the spot lighting will be installed. We talked about that in a separate article.

Photo examples of spotlights placement:

An important point is what kind of spotlights are planned to be installed. They can be divided into options:

• for mirrored incandescent lamps with an E14 or E27 base (they differ significantly, including the diameter of the luminaire itself, this is an extremely important point);
• for halogen bulbs with G or GU socket.

In terms of depth, the installation of the first option is approximately twice as large as the second, and therefore it is necessary to think about whether to make the stretch ceiling slightly lower from the main one in favor of mirror lamps, or to limit ourselves to halogen lamps. By the way, as an economical replacement, instead of halogen lamps, you can install LED counterparts, and for types with a threaded base, also luminescent ones.

So that you understand how much space each option will take under the ceiling, we present to your attention 3 different schemes for installing point lighting:

The types and installation options differ. Compact halogen spotlights have spring-mounted fastening "antennae". After installing the stretch ceiling and completing all the wiring, a base resembling a tiny socket should sag at a respectful distance from the hole for the spotlight. The light bulb is installed in this base, the antennae are pressed up to the stop, threaded into the hole and snap into place. If necessary, it must be pry off from the ceiling and, helping with the other hand, in view of the very reliable and strong fastening, pull it out very carefully. Plinth luminaires must be screwed to the supporting beam. Although it also has antennae and it is theoretically possible to install similarly to halogen ones, there is a problem with replacing burned out light bulbs, because it will be difficult to unscrew them and then you will have to remove the entire structure for this purpose. If the luminaire is mounted on screws, the bulbs are changed without all the above manipulations.

You need to be extremely careful with halogen bulbs. They are divided by operating voltage into:

• 220-volt - operate on a standard network and do not require any additional electronic devices for successful work. Recommended for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways.
• 12 volts are safer. Installation of such spotlights is carried out in the stretch ceiling of the bathroom, toilet and in the kitchen, where there is high humidity. Such lamps are connected only through a step-down transformer (power supply), otherwise they will burn out immediately after switching on.

The transformer must also be purchased with IP65, or find a place for it in the junction box. It must be remembered that the more spotlights are planned to be installed, the more power will go to the transformer. The size of the transformer will be equivalent to the power consumption, so hiding it is sometimes difficult. But attaching it above the stretch ceiling will not be difficult. An example of the placement of transformers is shown in the photo below:

The spotlight should not contain a lamp that violates the maximum power requirements - it is not recommended to exceed the 50 Watt bar for halogen lamps and 60 Watt for incandescent lamps. The instruction or the inscription on the body itself must contain the information "maximum power". The problem is strong heating, and therefore it is possible not only to melt the rounded rim of the mounting hole, but also the spotlight itself, if the manufacturer did not use the highest quality materials for manufacturing. In particular unsuccessful cases you can ruin the entire stretch ceiling. There are two ways out of the situation:

1. Installing more luminaires with lower wattage lamps, the wiring diagram will be more complicated, as a result of which you will have to break the luminaires into a double or triple switch.
2. Use energy-saving counterparts based on LEDs or fluorescent lamps. By the way, they are also divided into 12-volt and 220-volt options, so you need to be extremely careful.

Each spotlight, as well as their total number, requires a calculation with a margin, since it will not be possible to seep under the stretch ceiling and in case of any malfunction, it will have to be dismantled. Therefore, having performed the calculation in terms of power, as a result, it makes sense to purchase a cable cross-section by one step larger than that required in terms of numbers. This will help avoid force majeure. It is best to choose a cable that is rigid, the most popular of which is or. You can choose and or - this will simplify the installation, but it makes sense to install such wires in a corrugated hose, especially for rooms with high humidity.