Installing Downlights in Lath and Plaster Ceiling

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Paul1977

5039 posts

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#243940 10-Jan-2019 10:55

I have purchased four Philips Hue Aphelion downlights which I wish to be installed in a room to replace the old existing pendant light.

The ceiling is lath and plaster (with lining paper), which I am now reading is far more problematic to install downlights into than gib.

I can't get hold of my electrician until Monday, but generally would an experienced electrician do the whole job - your will I need a builder to cut and reinforce the holes in the lath and plaster first?

Thanks

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nickb800

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#2157387 10-Jan-2019 11:04

Depends if the sparky is keen or not to do carpentry work - probably depends how busy they are. Probably cheaper to get a handyman to cut the holes and reinforce the ceiling.

Seems like a piece of plywood as a backer is a good idea to reinforce the ceilng so the downlight clips don't munch the plaster

Paul1977

5039 posts

Uber Geek

#2157397 10-Jan-2019 11:19

nickb800:

Depends if the sparky is keen or not to do carpentry work - probably depends how busy they are. Probably cheaper to get a handyman to cut the holes and reinforce the ceiling.

Seems like a piece of plywood as a backer is a good idea to reinforce the ceilng so the downlight clips don't munch the plaster

Thanks.

So you think just cut some squares of plywood slightly larger than the hole, then drill the same size hole in the middle and just sit it in the ceiling over the hole in the lath and plaster?

Is that all the reinforcing it's likely to need?

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nickb800

2715 posts

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#2157430 10-Jan-2019 11:40

Paul1977:

nickb800:

Depends if the sparky is keen or not to do carpentry work - probably depends how busy they are. Probably cheaper to get a handyman to cut the holes and reinforce the ceiling.

Seems like a piece of plywood as a backer is a good idea to reinforce the ceilng so the downlight clips don't munch the plaster

Thanks.

So you think just cuts some squares of plywood slightly larger than the hole, then drill the same size hole in the middle and just sit it in the ceiling over the hole in the lath and plaster?

Is that all the reinforcing it's likely to need?

Pretty much, I can't think of anything further that you can do. There's always a small risk that you'll have to do some remedial plastering