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Chandeliers for suspended ceilings: the ABC for homemade

This article talks about ceiling chandeliers for suspended ceilings and the secrets of their installation. A priori, the owner of the apartment can install any lamp, but some limitations of the model range still exist. This is due to the issue of safety of PVC film, which can lose its elasticity and “spread” from constant heating by light bulbs.

Features of chandeliers for suspended ceilings

The question immediately arises, what chandeliers can be used to avoid local overheating of the coating from the light bulbs? Stretch ceilings are exposed to high temperatures up to 60 °C only once during installation. When heated, PVC film becomes elastic, stretches well, takes on the required shape and cools down, remaining quite elastic.

Choosing the right model

To know for sure which chandelier to choose, remember a simple reminder. So, in order for the PVC coating to remain in its original form for a long time, the following is taken into account:

1. Direction of the light flow - it should not “rest” against the ceiling, so the horns of the lamp should be directed not up, but down/to the side.

1. The optimal distance between the horns and the ceiling is from 30 to 40 cm.
2. The ceiling chandelier must be equipped with a reflector.
3. The surface of the device should be smooth, the corners should be rounded. This will become relevant if the neighbors flood - the walls of the water bag, that is, the ceiling, fall onto the chandelier and the slightest burr/sharp corner will tear them apart.

1. Ceiling height - you need to start from it to decide which chandeliers are suitable for the room and which are undesirable (plafonds can be considered universal, but a hanging chandelier is good only for spacious rooms).

When deciding how to choose the right ceiling lamp, you need to take into account the texture of the ceiling. Matte PVC and fabric stretch ceilings are not much different from the usual painted ones. Glossy ones are similar to a mirror and equally clearly reflect the beautiful and the ugly.

Given this property, it is necessary:

1. Carry out installation work with gloves.
2. The number of light bulbs in the lamp will double. Will the abundance of sparkling dots get on your nerves?

1. It is undesirable to install a chandelier with large horizontal planes. You will have to wipe them more often than usual, otherwise all the dust will be visible from below.

It shines but doesn’t warm

The choice of light bulbs for a lamp should be treated no less carefully, because each type has a certain radiation intensity, spectrum, heat release and service life. Let's quickly go over the types of lamps, taking into account these parameters:

1. An incandescent lamp produces a pleasant yellowish light, similar to sunlight, is inexpensive, and even a child can change it. The disadvantages include colossal heat transfer (which in our case is not welcome) and a relatively short service life - up to 1 thousand hours, which is almost 3 months with 12-hour operation.

1. Halogen is also a “hot thing”, its white light does not distort the color gamut, but it depends on voltage drops and requires connection through a voltage stabilizer.
2. Luminescent - has long ceased to irritate with the dead light, the spectrum has expanded significantly, the light is soft and does not hurt the eyes. The high cost is compensated by the enormous operating potential - up to 10 thousand hours. The lamp heats up slightly and is well suited for chandeliers.

1. LED – miniature, “long-lasting”, economical. You can choose anything from cool day to orange if you wish. Popular in starry sky type chandeliers.

The optimal power of an incandescent lamp in a chandelier 40 is a maximum of 50 W, and a halogen lamp is 35 W.

When deciding how to choose safe light bulbs, you should not ignore their appearance. The modern design of fragile products is amazing - pear-shaped, candles, spirals, arcs, balls. Transparent, matte, painted, mirrored can turn a chandelier into one of the treasures of Aladdin's cave.

How to make a mortgage

The mortgage can be wooden blocks, but most often it is made from moisture-resistant plywood - it is durable, does not dry out, and it is easier to find a small piece of this material than, for example, OSB.

Installation of the mortgage has the following sequence:

1. The mortgage is cut out. A hole for the cable is drilled in the center;
2. The surface is sanded and treated with an antiseptic;

1. Hangers are screwed to the mortgage using LN 3.5x9.5 self-tapping screws (the same ones that are used when installing profiles under plasterboard walls. They are elastic and rigid enough to support a 10-kilogram chandelier);

1. The platform with screwed hangers is attached to the base ceiling with self-tapping screws and dowels. A mortgage made of wooden blocks is attached directly to the base ceiling with self-tapping screws.

Hanging a chandelier: rules and nuances

Depending on the design features of the lamp, you choose how to mount it - hang it on a hook or screw it to a bar (regular, cross-shaped, I-beam).

The installation method is indicated by the fasteners included in the kit:

1. Hook;
2. Strips: regular - for small light chandeliers, cross-shaped - for shaped lamps (round, oval, rectangular), I-beam - for massive devices.

The rules for installing any chandelier under a suspended ceiling are generally the same:

1. Laying of wires (possibly in an open way), installation of a voltage converter, installation of a hook/mortgage is carried out before installing suspended ceilings;
2. An additional platform is required for the chandelier. It should coincide in area with the base of the lamp. It is to this that the strips on which the device will be held are screwed;

Sometimes it is not clear how to hang chandeliers with a large base on cross-shaped strips. In order not to cut a huge hole in the coating, you can make 5 mortgages instead of one. 5 rings will be glued under them and the same number of holes will be cut.

1. There should be a distance of about 2 mm between the canvas and the mortgage;
2. Installation of the platform is carried out after installation of the frame for the suspended ceiling;
3. The diameter of the ring should allow free access to the mounting when installing the chandelier, and should be placed under the decorative cap of the chandelier/reflector.

Installation of the lamp on the strips

When the suspended ceiling has taken its place, you can begin connecting the chandelier to the suspended ceiling:

1. Find the location of the mortgage using a plumb line (which will be discussed below) or according to the plan. When moving by touch, do not forget to wear gloves so as not to leave marks, especially on glossy fabric;
2. Outline the platform;

Make a copy of the mortgage note out of cardboard in advance. By combining it with the real one under the film, it will be convenient for you to outline it.

1. Cut out the inside of the film;

If you don’t have a construction knife, you can cut with a stationery knife. It is quite elegant and sharp and cuts cleanly.

1. Pass the cable through the central hole of the platform and the cut-out ring;
2. Install the studs on the bar symmetrically to the holes in the lamp body;
3. Screw the slats to the platform;
4. Strip the ends of the wires from the network and the chandelier, connect them with the corresponding colors in the terminal block;

Before connecting, do not forget to turn off the power to the apartment or entrust this work to a specialist.

1. All that remains is to secure the base of the device on the studs and screw in the hardware.

Even if the chandelier is inexpensive, it is better to hang it with an assistant.

Lamp on a hook

Let’s make a reservation right away: chandeliers on a hook do not need an additional platform. If the old hook has been preserved from previous times, it is enough to simply cut a hole in the thermal ring and hang the lamp in the old place. To install a new one, you will need to drill a hole in the ceiling and screw in a new hook.

Depending on the weight of the chandelier, a fastening element of the appropriate diameter is selected: for a lamp weighing 3–5 kg, a rod with a diameter of 2–3 mm is suitable, for 8 kg – 4 mm, 10 kg – 5 mm. First, a hole for the dowel is drilled with a depth equal to its length, then the fastener is screwed into the dowel.

Problems in such an elementary procedure can literally appear out of nowhere. We are talking about longitudinal voids designed to improve the sound and heat insulation of the slab.

You can get clearly between the voids and the fasteners will be screwed in perfectly. Otherwise, you'll just have to take another dowel - like Molly or butterfly. Their operating principle is that they “spread out” in the void, preventing the dowel from falling out.

The expansion zone makes it difficult to tighten the Molly dowel all the way. Make a lever by threading something long and iron into the hook - a pipe, a piece of reinforcement, the handle of a hammer (iron!).

But how to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling if its weight is very large? In this case, you need to use a notched drive-in anchor:

1. Using a drill with a Pobedit tip, drill a hole 5 mm long longer than the anchor, and the diameter, as they say, is close;
2. Before installing the anchor, carefully blow out the hole (it’s good to do this with a blower);
3. Hammer the hardware with a rubberized hammer, or cover it with a rubber/wooden spacer;
4. Drive in the liner, placing a metal rod against it, until it stops, wedging the collets;

1. Screw in the hook.

Read carefully on the packaging the size of the anchor and what weight it is designed for. It is recommended to load the anchor no more than a quarter of the maximum load so that it does not simply fly out of the hole.

The fastening hidden by the canvas is a little problematic to find. We cannot see through the canvas, it is impossible to intuitively guess its location, and fumbling blindly with our hands is also not an option.

1. From the hook, lower the plumb line until it touches the floor;
2. Mark the point of contact on the floor, for example, with a corrector, cover it with tape so that it does not wear off;
3. After installing the ceiling, it is enough to lower the plumb line to the point from a stepladder. The opposite end of the thread will point to the desired place where the chandelier will be attached to the suspended ceiling.

1. Glue the thermal ring, cut it inside;
2. Hang the chandelier on the hook;
3. Attach the wires;

1. The decorative cap is raised close to the canvas and secured.

Chandelier replacement

If the interior has changed or you are simply tired of the old lamp, the question may arise whether it is possible to change the chandelier on the suspended ceiling. Yes, such an operation can be carried out, but with some reservations:

1. If the device is mounted on slats, the slats of the new chandelier should have a similar length. They may be a little longer, but not shorter, and were placed on mortgages.
2. If the strip is longer and the mounting holes do not match, new ones are drilled after appropriate markings.

Don't forget to save your sales receipts. If you have to return/exchange a new chandelier, it is better to do it without a scandal.

If the lamp was attached by yourself, consider that you already know how to remove it. Dismantling takes place in the reverse order of installation: the hardware is unscrewed, the body is removed from the studs, and the electrical circuit is opened. Do not forget to turn off the power supply to the apartment. The option with a hook does not cause any problems at all and there is no point in discussing it.

Summarizing

Expert advice on working with a mortgage can be found in the video in this article.

December 14, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

You won't get far on spots alone. Experienced people know what they are saying: no matter how impressive and effective sometimes miniature spotlights on suspended ceiling structures are, most often it is impossible to do without basic lighting in the form of a classic chandelier (and you can read more about spotlights in the article: "Spotlights lamps for suspended ceilings - all types and selection features"). If you know how to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling correctly and without unnecessary difficulties, then you can safely skip this material. For everyone else, we have prepared comprehensive step-by-step instructions that will allow you to quickly and correctly complete the necessary installation - and later enjoy a well-organized lighting scenario in your room.

Choosing the right chandelier

Before proceeding directly to installation, you must, of course, buy a chandelier. This is not particularly difficult: every city is full of specialized stores ready to offer the buyer an endless number of variations. Anything will definitely do!

However, when choosing, you should be guided by some considerations that will help you choose the most suitable option for your premises:

• a large chandelier - for high and spacious rooms: remember this rule, and then you will not have problems with the fact that it will hang very low and draw too much attention to itself;
• the lampshades of the lighting device must be directed to the sides or downwards - in the case when they are directed upwards, there is a risk of noticeable spots appearing on the stretched fabric; such a direction is allowed only if the distance between the lampshades and the ceiling is at least 40 centimeters;
• do not choose a chandelier with a large number of shades if the surface type of your stretched canvas is glossy: a mirror image of objects located in the lower part can provoke their visual doubling, which will create an unpleasant effect on the perception of the room as a whole;
• if the lighting fixture has a wide horizontal surface, then weigh all the pros and cons before purchasing; if you have glossy ceilings, it will be difficult to avoid the constant accumulation of dust on it, but it will be displayed properly.

Tools and materials

• stepladder or table;
• drill (perforator);
• pliers with insulated handles;
• screwdriver;
• insulating tape;
• wire VVGng-LS;
• terminal blocks for extending wires;
• mounting strips of the required type;
• anchor hook;
• self-tapping screws;
• dowels;
• plastic rings for stretch ceilings;
• block for embedding (moisture-resistant plywood).

Preparing the wiring

If you don’t yet know how to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling or are doing it for the first time, then pay attention to this point - the wiring must be prepared in advance, even before the stage of installing the tension fabric.

You can do this either with the help of an electrician or yourself:

1. de-energize the room by turning the toggle switch in the distribution panel to the “off” position;
2. take a prepared cable of the VVGng-LS format - it is highly reliable and is not afraid of even the heaviest load - and begin laying it from the switch to the place where the chandelier is directly connected;
3. open wiring is allowed, but if desired, you can always protect the cable with corrugated plastic: this way you will prevent not only its breakthrough and any physical impact, but also a possible short circuit;
4. if the length of the wires is not enough for connection, then it is possible to solve this problem by extending the wire through the terminal block, in which case soldering will be required, and it is best to choose a multi-core wire and always with a certain margin.

All mounting options

In order to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling, certain manipulations should be carried out before installing the film sheet. The nature of the preparatory work depends on which option for attaching the chandelier to the suspended ceiling you ultimately choose.

There are 2 main types of fastening:

1. on the mounting plate;
2. on the anchor hook.

Each of them, in turn, has some technological features. Depending on what type of strip is used to install the lighting fixture:

• longitudinal;
• cruciform.

Variations with an anchor hook are also allowed - through mount using plates.

The final choice of one option or another is determined by your own skills, as well as the characteristics of the suspended ceiling structure and the nature of the lighting fixture that you are going to install.

Carefully watch the following video - it provides excellent clarity, and you will only have to choose one or another method of attaching the lighting fixture to the ceiling.

Mounting on mounting plate

Longitudinal

Ideal for chandeliers with low weight.

To give the final structure a seamless aesthetic appearance, a large cap j. The procedure, if you want to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling in this way, will be as follows:

1. prepare a block of wood approximately 5 mm less in thickness than the distance from the concrete base of the ceiling structure to the line of the film sheet;
2. use dowels and screws and attach the wooden block to the concrete base;
3. secure the longitudinal strip to the block with self-tapping screws;
4. your mortgage for the future chandelier is ready.

If you haven’t found a suitable block, it makes sense to use plywood - in this case, metal legs should be attached to the fragment used for clear fixation. Make sure this is exactly what it is moisture resistant plywood- the condition is not at all critical, but will help you protect the structure from mold and mildew.

After the installation of the tension structure has already been completed and the canvas has had time to dry safely, you need to find the location of the wooden block (or a sheet of plywood - depending on what you used) and glue it to it plastic ring. This is a fairly simple procedure, see this in the photo below.

Carefully cut out the inside of the ring and attach a longitudinal strip to the block. Use self-tapping screws for this. Your next steps:

1. take out the wires;
2. connect the chandelier to the power supply;
3. Cover the area with the fixed strip with a protective cap.

Cross-shaped

This type of fastening using a mortgage is used if you are dealing with a really heavy chandelier and want to be sure of its reliability. Also indispensable when using powerful square lighting fixtures.

A significant difference from the previous option is the number of holes required for installation on an already mounted ceiling. In this case there are five of them: one large one - central, under the wires; The other 4 are small, for fixing the cross. The procedure is similar to the previous option:

1. a double perpendicular cross-shaped strip is prepared;
2. a wooden block is fixed to the concrete base, again the thickness is slightly less than the distance from the base to the film;
3. During installation of the ceiling frame, a cross is installed.

When the installation of the stretch ceiling is already over and the film has had time to dry well, do the following:

• attach all the prepared plastic rings to the canvas;
• cut the necessary holes;
• stretch the wires and secure the chandelier to the mounted crosspiece;
• Fix the protective cap either with your own decorative nuts or with those that come with the lighting fixture.

In some cases, a cross-shaped mortgage is mounted on top of the stretch ceiling. Then it is advisable to first stick a paper template and mark the overlay in the right places to avoid tearing the stretch ceiling. After this, all manipulations are similar to those performed during internal installation of the strip:

1. electrical wiring is pulled through the center;
2. the cross-shaped strip is attached to the canvas and screwed to the mortgage with self-tapping screws;
3. The chandelier is connected to the power supply and placed on the studs, after which all that remains is to securely fix it with the supplied nuts.

Hook mount

Anchor hook

Perhaps the most common option, which many people also love because in many apartments such a hook is already installed, as they say, by default. If it is missing, but there is a need to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling in this way, follow the basic procedure that will help you quickly deal with the problem:

• Using a drill, make a hole in the concrete base with a diameter of from 6 to 14 mm .;
• Insert the anchor hook into the hole and tighten the hanging nut.

Have you installed a stretch ceiling? Let it dry - maintain exactly the time period specified in the performance characteristics of the film. Many beginners, who don’t really know how to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling, rush to complete all the operations faster - and then pay with torn canvas, not only spoiling their mood, but also significantly undermining their budget:

1. find the location of the hook;
2. stick a plastic ring onto the suspended ceiling;
3. when deciding on its size, take into account the size of the cap - it should completely cover the diameter of the ring;
4. cut out with the inside;
5. pull out the wires;
6. All that remains is to connect the lamp.

Through mount

Distributed mainly in private homes. In this case, not only a hook with a thread on the rod is used, but also two plates 2x2 or 3x3 mm.

1. make a through hole and place the first plank;
2. screw a nut onto the hook to hold the second plate;
3. insert the hook into the hole and screw another nut on top;
4. As a result, the 2 plates should be pulled together - all that remains is to hang the chandelier.

The further steps are nothing fundamentally new: we also fix the rings on the stretch ceiling, cut out a part, pull out the wires and connect the chandelier.

Again, when using plastic rings, keep in mind the diameter of the decorative cap of your lighting fixture - it should be slightly less so that the final installation pleases the eye, and does not make you wince from aesthetic defects on the stretch ceiling.

Connecting the chandelier to the network

Please note that it is best to entrust this work to qualified specialists, but if you want to know how to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling and correctly connect it to the power supply yourself, then here are excellent instructions that will definitely help with this:

1. de-energize the room through the distribution panel;
2. pull the wire through the plastic ring in the suspended ceiling with the hole already made;
3. first secure the chandelier to a bar or hook - depending on which mount you have chosen: this way you will free your hands and ensure good comfort when connecting;
4. remove the protective sheath from the power cable and measure the required size of cores to be placed in the box with the terminal block;
5. We strip the ends of the wires approximately 6 mm and fix them in the terminal block, observing the color sequence: yellow or green - into a terminal with a wire of the same color, this will be a protective zero; blue - is the working zero and is placed in a terminal with a similar color; white is always a phase wire, and it is connected to the remaining empty terminal.

After the completed manipulations, all you have to do is close the protective box with the terminal block and complete the assembly of the lighting fixture on the suspended ceiling.

It is important to remember that all twisted wires must be placed in a corrugation - to protect against overheating and prevent short circuits.

The entire process of installing a chandelier on a suspended ceiling is in one video.

And here the emphasis is placed on the order and how the wires need to be connected.

Functionality check

You can find out whether you now know how to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling right now - while checking the functionality of the assembled lighting fixture:

• put the toggle switch in the distribution panel to the “on” position;
• turn on the light in the room where the chandelier is installed;
• pay attention to how the lamps burn (and are they lit at all?);
• If you are completely satisfied with the result, and the new chandelier on the suspended ceiling pleases you with excellent lighting, then you can congratulate yourself on the useful skills you have just acquired!

Conclusion

The given step-by-step instructions are a good way, without having proven special skills, to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling and save a lot of money by refusing the services of official specialists. As you can see, you do not need any special super skills: the key to success is increased concentration during the entire process and compliance with basic safety precautions when working with electrical wiring. The stability of the mounted structure directly depends on the successful choice of the type of fastening - and the information received from us is the best possible way to eliminate from your experience any mistakes in trying to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling.

One of the finishing touches to installing a tension structure is the installation of a chandelier. And here beginners will be disappointed, because the process of attaching a lighting device is not as simple as it seems.

The main difficulties encountered are choosing a suitable mount for installation, creating a hole in the PVC film, and choosing a suitable chandelier. We will deal with these points in the article.

There is an opinion that any chandelier will fit under the tension fabric. But that's not true.

When choosing, you should follow a number of simple tips:

• Try to avoid lighting devices that are round in shape and look like a plate. As a rule, the base of such products is made of thin material, which gets very hot. If the design of the room involves the use of just such a chandelier, then examine the base (“plate”) of the product - it should be glossy and made of high-quality materials. An important point is the quality of the foundation. It must be made of thick metal and provide high-quality reflection of light;
• if the light source is a regular incandescent lamp, then it should be installed inside the lampshade. This reduces the risk of the film heating up, deforming or staining;
• in the case when a chandelier with open incandescent bulbs is needed, then at least choose products in which the light sources “look” down or to the side. Often, beginners do not know which chandeliers can be hung on suspended ceilings, and make a mistake when choosing. The result is yellowing or damage to the surface;
• pay attention to the light bulbs that are installed in the chandelier. Despite the popularity of incandescent lamps, they should be abandoned. The best option is to use chandeliers with energy-saving or LED bulbs. Such light sources are better suited for tensile structures. The advantage of the products is minimal heating of the film surface and additional savings on electricity.

Installing a chandelier on a suspended ceiling

Chandeliers can be divided into several types:

1. Hanging - installed on a special hook.
2. Overlays - mounted using an overlay panel (held with self-tapping screws).

As mentioned above, the type of source is also important.

Chandeliers can be equipped with:

1. Incandescent lamps. Such products are the most affordable, but have low efficiency. The main disadvantage for suspended ceilings is excessive heating. If the choice falls on chandeliers with such lamps, then the power should not exceed 60 W.
2. Halogen lamps. The advantages of the products are higher efficiency and better brightness (the emission spectrum is close to sunlight). But there is also a risk of overheating, so the maximum halogen power for tension structures is up to 35 W.
3. Energy saving lamps. Pros: high efficiency, minimal heating level. The downside is the health risk if such a lamp is damaged. In addition, such lamps are prohibited from being installed in rooms with high humidity levels.
4. LEDs. LED chandeliers for suspended ceilings look best. Their advantages are maximum efficiency (among the light sources discussed above), low heating, long service life and light that is comfortable for the eye. The only downside is the cost.

When purchasing a chandelier, pay attention to a few more points:

• carefully inspect the base of the product for the presence of edges or burrs, for which Chinese products are “famous”. PVC film is afraid of sharp objects and can be deformed from such touches;
• If the chandelier has a metal base, do not forget about the importance of a special gasket, which will protect the tension structure from overheating. As such a lining, it is allowed to use sheet material characterized by heat-insulating qualities;
• Before installing the chandelier and tension structure, it is worth considering all the wiring features, including the installation of LED strip and spotlights. When all the nuances are thought out, you can start working.

Installing a chandelier mount: safety precautions

During the installation of a chandelier, the master inevitably faces several risks:

• high voltage (220 Volts);
• danger of damaging an expensive structure.

To avoid injuries and additional material costs, you should adhere to the following safety rules:

• avoid pressing the PVC film tightly against the base of the light source to prevent surface deformation;
• Drill holes in the ceiling carefully. Remember that in many houses the wires to the chandelier are laid in the ceiling and there is a risk of damaging them. To identify the location of the wiring, you should use a special probe. Most often, the wiring is installed at the junction of two panels or on the inside of the slab. Also, try not to drill towards the switch;
• to insulate wires, use a special corrugated hose designed to solve exactly these problems. If a short circuit occurs and the input circuit breaker does not work, sparks may occur. The latter can damage the canvas and cause fire;
• Use insulating tape at wiring junctions;
• Before performing work, turn off the power and check that there is no voltage. In addition, use dielectric gloves that will protect against voltages of up to 1000 Volts;
• use tools with dielectric handles.

Platform for a chandelier: installation options and subtleties

Above, we looked at which chandeliers are suitable for suspended ceilings, and what points to give priority to. Now it’s worth understanding the options and installation features.

The following methods exist:

1. Installing the chandelier on a tension structure using a hook. The advantages of this method are reliability, ease of installation, and no need for any specialized tools.

Before starting work, it is necessary to dismantle the light bulbs and shades. In most houses, such a hook does not need to be installed - it is already provided for in the design documentation and is attached at the construction stage.

A big plus is the presence of wiring, which you don’t have to rack your brains about. The hook is fixed to the base ceiling using an anchor or a powerful dowel.

The installation process itself is as follows:

• adjust the hook to the required level (taking into account the installation level of the tension structure). Please note that after installation is completed, the base of the chandelier should fit snugly against the PVC film sheet;
• Reinforce the fixation site with a thermal ring. Here, pay attention to two main parameters - the tightness of the ring and the correctness of its installation. If you do not strengthen the edges when installing the chandelier on the hook, the film will sag over time and become damaged;
• after applying glue to the ring and applying it to the surface, wait until the composition dries completely;
• In the place where the ring is installed to the tension structure, cut a hole (along the inner diameter). It is through this that the hook for mounting the lighting source will pass;
• set the hook reach height. This work can be done in different ways. Most often, the movement of the hook is carried out by rotating along the thread until the required position is reached. Once the hook is in the desired position, stop adjusting;
• hang the chandelier on a hook and connect the wires using a terminal block;
• lift the cap (if it is provided in the chandelier). This completes the installation of the product;
• fix the cap in the desired position.

2. Installation of the chandelier on the bar. The most popular option is to fix the light source on a special strip (included in the kit). The advantages of this method are reliability, ease of installation, and no problems finding the necessary tools.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• cut a hole in the PVC film through which the wiring will be routed;
• reinforce the edge of the hole with a heat-resistant ring;
• To ensure a tight fit of the chandelier base to the canvas, install a special beam that is attached to the base ceiling. Select the height so that it is equal to the height of the ceiling structure;
• fixation is carried out using a puncher. All that is required is to drill a hole in the base and secure the beam with a dowel;
• Before installing the strip, inspect it for the presence of sharp edges that could damage the film. Next, screw the bar that was included in the kit using self-tapping screws. At the same time, choose products of such length that would support the weight of the chandelier;
• connect the wiring and attach the chandelier to the bar after aligning the holes with the studs.

3. Installation of the chandelier on a cross-shaped platform. Another installation option involves fixing the light source to a cross-shaped mount. The advantages of this design are reliability. Craftsmen recommend giving preference to this design when installing massive chandeliers.

The installation of the structure is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• make a wooden platform. The thickness of the latter should be 11-13 cm. Plywood can be used as a basic tool;
• make a hole in the center through which the electrical wiring will pass;
• provide special legs in the corners (they can be made using metal sheets). If you can’t make the legs yourself, you can purchase them in specialized stores;
• When manufacturing, proceed as follows. Prepare a metal sheet (1 mm thick) and cut out plates (width 20 mm). Make holes on both sides of the plate with a drill at a distance of 1 cm from the edge. Using a hammer, create a slight bend (you should get a Z-shape). At the same time, make sure that the bend angle is 90 degrees. Next, install the legs to the surface and fasten them to the ceiling;
• All points where wiring passes through the ceiling should be reinforced with plastic or heat-resistant ring. Here it is allowed to make several (for each leg) or one hole. The second option is more preferable due to the lower risk of film sagging;
• At the last stage, the chandelier is installed. During installation, ensure that the base and support structure fit snugly against each other.

Photo of a chandelier under a suspended ceiling - help in choosing

Planning a room design in your head is an easy task for a beginner. It's another matter when you have to take real steps, for example, choosing a suitable chandelier for the room.

This is where many people face a number of problems. Photos of chandeliers for a suspended ceiling can help you in choosing. Only visually can you see how harmoniously certain shades look with each other.

The following points are worth highlighting here:

• a steel-colored chandelier will look beautiful on a black ceiling;
• A product with a dark shade, which will contrast with the surface of the PVC film, is in perfect harmony with a light surface.

Before performing installation work, study the photographs and decide on a few more points:

• mounting option for the chandelier (focus on the appearance and weight of the product). The easiest way to understand the intricacies of installation is with the help of step-by-step instructions;
• features of making holes for wiring and fastening in the canvas. Conventional cutting is not suitable here - it is advisable to prepare a special ring (the technology is described above). To more accurately study the specifics of the work, it is worth studying the corresponding photos or videos.

Saving on a chandelier: Internet sites - the opportunity to buy at a discount

Installing a stretch ceiling is a costly process that takes a large amount out of the budget. It is logical that against this background, many dream of reducing their own costs.

Here it is easy if you follow the following algorithm:

• explore sites on the Internet that sell chandeliers. Particular emphasis should be placed on the model, price and delivery features;
• pay attention to the discounts that the store offers. Often sales are held at retail outlets, allowing you to purchase even in-demand goods at a lower price;
• read reviews about the selected online store. It is important that the site has a good reputation and the product is of high quality. The joy of saving will not last long if the purchased product turns out to be of poor quality;
• try to select a chandelier taking into account the type and color of the ceiling that is installed in the room. To avoid any confusion, choose a color based on the design and type of product purchased.

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 5 minutes

Requirements for lamps for suspended ceilings

PVC film or synthetic fabric, which form the basis of a stretch ceiling, are quite delicate materials. They are united by instability to high temperatures: PVC fabric begins to deform when heated to 70-80 degrees; yellow or black spots may appear on polyester fabric due to improperly selected lighting. In this regard, when choosing lamps, several requirements must be taken into account.

1. To protect the ceiling from strong heating, it is better to choose a chandelier that will be located at some distance from the canvas. If the lamp shades are directed downwards, the distance between them and the ceiling should be at least 20 cm; if the horns look up, it increases to 40 cm. The distance will also depend on what lamps are used in the device.
2. An overhead plate-type chandelier must be equipped with a special protective plate at the base to prevent heating of the ceiling covering. Lamps located close to the ceiling should be made of materials that do not heat up from the bulbs.
3. The lamps should have low power and be placed in closed lampshades. The power of incandescent lamps should be no more than 60 watts when the lamp is positioned vertically and 40 watts when the lamp is positioned horizontally. The power of halogen lamps should not exceed 35 watts. There are no special restrictions for low-heat energy-saving or LED light bulbs.
4. To avoid damage to the coating, it is not recommended to use lamps with open lamps directed towards the ceiling.

Features of chandelier mounting

Since a suspended ceiling is a decorative fabric stretched at a short distance from the ceiling, the lighting fixture cannot be attached directly to it. The lamps are attached to the old ceiling, so the weight of the lighting device, the type of fastening and the nuances of connection are not particularly important.

Important! The most significant feature of installing a chandelier is the need to prepare the mounting for it before installing the stretch ceiling.

Preparations for installing the chandelier will be as follows:

• after planning the lighting scheme, markings are made on the old ceiling;
• wiring and equipment are prepared;
• fastening elements are installed at the site of the future chandelier;

The specialists who will do the work will leave a hole in the required place, reinforced with PVC tape or a rim, which will prevent the fabric from tearing.

Important! Due to the fact that the mount must be installed before installing the suspended ceiling, it is necessary to select the type of chandelier in advance.

Mounting a pendant chandelier

Most classic chandeliers have a pendant type mount. When choosing such a lamp, before installing a stretch ceiling, you need to secure a strong metal ring or hook to the ceiling. When installing it, keep in mind one small but important nuance:

• if the fastening pin of the future chandelier has exclusively functional significance, the fastening element can be located at the very base;
• in the event that the hairpin plays the role of an important decorative element, the fastening hook can be lowered a little lower.

Overlay product

Since the overhead chandelier must be positioned close to the stretched fabric, a special mounting strip must be prepared before installing the stretch ceiling. It must be fixed at the required level, taking into account the distance from the main ceiling to the tension ceiling. To do this, you can place a wooden block under the plank, the thickness of which will be 5-10 mm less than the distance between the ceiling surfaces.

Tip: mounting strips for large and heavy surface-mounted lamps require the creation of significant holes in the stretched fabric, which can adversely affect its appearance and quality, so their use, although possible, is not advisable.

Depending on the plane in which the chandelier is located, it can be horizontal or vertical. For a room with low ceilings or ceilings of average height not exceeding 3 meters, a horizontal chandelier with a diameter of within 1 meter is suitable. This can be a multi-lane lamp or a structure with a modern design that has evenly distributed light sources, sufficiently distant from the center for high-quality illumination of the entire area of ​​the room.

For a hall with a high ceiling, it is better to choose a vertical chandelier with a diameter of 30 to 50 cm and a height of about a meter. A hanging lamp will illuminate the space of such a room much better than a horizontal one.

For lighting a large hall, the area of ​​which exceeds 20 square meters. m., the light of one chandelier will not be enough. In an elongated room, you can install two chandeliers; in a room with a shape close to a square, the main lamp will have to be supplemented with spotlights.

Lamps for different types of stretch ceilings

Gloss

The main feature of the glossy surface is its excellent reflectivity. What lamps can highlight this feature, showing it in a good light? A chandelier in the form of a hemisphere, two-tier or cone-shaped design in combination with its own reflection will create the feeling of a solid, complete object.

Lamps with an abundance of elements intertwined in a horizontal plane look good on such a surface: flowers, branches, threads, geometric shapes.

A traditional crystal chandelier is perfect for lighting a room with a glossy ceiling. The light reflected in the glossy surface will make the crystal edges sparkle beautifully with highlights and splashes of color.

A design with horns directed vertically upward or with very bright light bulbs, reflected in the canvas, will create lighting that is too bright and blinding to the eyes, so such designs should be avoided.

Tip: since the reflection of the upper part of the chandelier is clearly visible in the glossy canvas, it should have an aesthetic appearance and not contain protruding wires.

Since the texture of a matte stretch ceiling has much in common with a traditional ceiling surface, you can choose a chandelier of almost any type. Complex lamps with several levels, minimalist designs, and lamps with upward-facing shades are perfectly combined with such a surface.

The matte surface absorbs and diffuses bright streams of light, transforming them into soft and uniform illumination.

Tip: for sufficient illumination of the room, the power and number of lamps for a matte ceiling should be greater than for a glossy surface.

Fabric surface

It is quite difficult to choose a chandelier for a fabric ceiling. Here you need to achieve not only good lighting, but also a harmonious combination with the color and pattern of the canvas. Recommendations for choosing the brightness of lamps are the same as for a matte surface.

Multi-level structures

Multi-level tension structures can be combined with different lighting options, complementing the central chandelier with perimeter lighting or spotlights located at a different ceiling level.

Lamps for lighting fixture

Which light bulbs are suitable for luminaires used in combination with suspended ceilings? A lighting device with conventional incandescent lamps does not combine well with stretch fabric due to the high level of heat generation and low light output. Such a chandelier will have to be placed at a distance of at least 25 cm from the surface, which is not the best option for an apartment with a standard ceiling height. Halogen lamps heat up even more, but have one advantage over incandescent lamps - creating lighting that is close to natural.

The optimal solution for tension structures would be LED or energy-saving lamps that have high efficiency and low heat generation.