Fitting downlights with 2 layer plasterboard ceiling?

[browndog289]

Hello

The people we bought our house from must have repaired a leak from above the kitchen by fixing another layer of plasterboard on to the existing one and then artexing the new board.

We want to fit downlights to this ceiling but I'm not sure if the springs on the light holders will fit over 2 layers of plasterboard as the depth of plasterboard is around 30mm.

Does anyone have any advice on how to best achieve this - we have a plasterer coming in a couple of weeks to do the walls and ceiling so I need to make sure the lights fit before then.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[pjcomp]

I've often had to install downlighters where the ceiling's been overbaorded, and it's not caused any problems yet. As long as the springs on the downlighters are finger-biting strong they should hold OK. If you want to be doubly sure, some makes offer a second clip position to take account of thicker ceilings.

pj

 

[BigJon]

As above really, if the springs don't take you could notch a bit of the plasterboard away where the clips sit on the plasterboard with a padsaw.
Or if you can get above the ceiling you could drill a pilot hole from below then from above drill down to the first layer with say a 4" cutter, then when you cut your smaller 60mm/70mm hole for the downlight there will be sufficient space for the clips.
This could be a PITA if its been stuck on with adhesive rather than screwed though.
I'd give it a bash leaving the 2 sheets in place for your first one and see how it goes.
Good Luck!

 

[browndog289]

Thank you for your advice.
I'm going to try installing the fittings at the weekend so I'll see how it goes!!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Proper lights like these have a range of adjustment well able to cope with a 30mm ceiling: