Mount Canister Fixtures in a Suspended Ceiling
Suspended ceilings, also known as drop ceilings, are a simple way to cover up ventilation, wiring, plumbing and other visual distractions in your basement, converted garage or other living space. The metal grid and textured tiles are quick and inexpensive to install, providing you with a finished look for a minimum of hassle. Suspended ceilings make the installation of canister or recessed lighting easier than with traditional ceilings. Many canister lights come with an optional bracket specially designed to fit between the rails of a suspended ceiling.
Instructions
1. Have an electrician run wiring from your breaker box to each location you plan to install a light. Check your fixtures to determine if you need the electrician to install junction boxes, or if your lights have them built in. Locate and label the breaker for the lights and turn it off.
2. Remove the tiles that will have lights installed in them from the ceiling grid. Use the paper template that comes with the suspended ceiling installation kit to mark the ceiling tile for the light. Cut the hole out with a drywall saw as neatly as possible.
3. Replace the tile in the grid and lift the two tiles on either side out and tuck them back up in the ceiling to gain access to the frame from above. Consult the installation instructions with your brackets for specifics of your brand. In general, install the two rails of the bracket to the rails on either side of the lighted panel. Adjust them the proper distance apart and snap then in place by pressing down firmly on the end to snap it over the bead on the top of the ceiling grid rail.
4. Install the round, cradle portion of the bracket between the two bracket rails, centered directly above the hole you cut in the tile. Have a helper lift the light fixture up through the hole in the tile and the bracket cradle until it is flush with the bracket face. Slide the fixture anchor clips into place, typically one from each side, to hold the light suspended in the bracket.
5. Install the spring-loaded trim ring from underneath, pressing up until the flexible clips snap into place in the barrel of the light. Run the wire leads from the light to the junction box, or bring the electrician-installed wiring to the junction on the light. Strip the ends of all wires back 1 inch from the end with wire strippers. Remove the front plate of the junction box with a screwdriver and feed the wires into it. Match the wires color for color; black to black, white to white and green to green. Twist a wire nut onto each color coded pair and wrap that with electrical tape.
6. Repeat the cutting, installation and wiring process for each tile and light. Replace the tiles you lifted out and turn the breaker on to test the lights.
Tags: bracket rails, Canister Fixtures, Canister Fixtures Suspended, , either side