Suspended Ceiling Tile
Your room has a suspended/drop ceiling. You wish to move or replace the lights mounted in the ceiling without an major remodel or expense. Depending on the type of lights you are dealing with and the location, this project should not present any major obstacles. If the lights are suspended from the framing the project can be even easier.
Instructions
1. Turn off all power to the existing lights. While this can be done at the wall switch it is highly recommended the power be turned off at the breaker panel. This will ensure the power is off and will help prevent anyone from accidentally turning the power back on before the project is complete.
2. Remove the existing lights. Use the screwdriver to disconnect the electrical wiring from the light terminals. There should be three wires, a black, white and green wire. The green wire is the ground and may be a bare copper wire. If this will be a prolonged project it is best to put wire nuts on each of the wires as they are removed. If the lights are simply clipped to the bracket, remove the clips and the lights. If the lights are mounted to brackets above the ceiling, you may remove the entire bracket or leave the portions of the brackets which will be concealed by the ceiling and remove only the lights.
3. Replace any old ceiling tiles. If the lights were mounted in the ceiling tiles and the new lights are a different size or will be mounted in a new location, remove the existing ceiling tile and replace it. If the tile is odd sized, carefully measure the opening and trim a tile to fit using the razor blade cutter. Once all tiles have been replaced you are ready to begin installing new lighting.
4. Determine the desired location for the new lighting. Check the existing wiring to see if it will reach to all of the new locations. It is against electrical codes to splice electrical wiring above a suspended ceiling. If the existing wiring will not reach the new locations new wiring will need to be installed. If the light fixtures will be wired in sequence then the power lines need to only reach the nearest light fixture.
5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting the new lights. Make the needed modifications to the ceiling tiles and connect all wiring. Double check your wiring connections before closing up the ceiling tiles. Be aware, electrical code does not allow electrical wiring to be supported by the same support wires used to hold up the ceiling. Wiring also should not be laid atop a suspended ceiling; it should be supported above it. Turn on the breaker and test all lights to be certain they are working as desired.
Tags: ceiling tiles, electrical wiring, wiring will, ceiling remove, ceiling tiles lights, , existing wiring