Installing Halogen Lights

[aaront]

I want to install Halogen lighting into my bathroom. Unfortunately I have a Victorian age building (1910ish). Is there any way of simply installing the spotlights into a lathe & render ceiling or do I need to drop it and install a plasterboard ceiling?

I cant install a false ceiling as the internal window abow the door adjoins the ceiling.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[alexnic]

If you are very careful in cutting out the holes and the plaster on the lathe is not to 'crumbly' then you might get away with it! ...this is assuming that you are fitting the small recess type and you have ample area above as the cables and transformer will have to be inserted within it.

A fine toothed hacksaw blade would probaby be best for the holes or a hole cutter on slow speed

 

[breezer]

could you not go upstairs and lift a floor board?

you could also try http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/sea...I&pn=1&pd=1&pi=1&cn=1&cd=1&q=hole+saw&x=8&y=7

for a hole cutter and as the previous post suggested drill slowly ( I know they are meant for steel but slowly it will be fine)

 

[Fredy]

Just another point to take into account ...if the area between the ceiling and the roof space or floor is small and also full of installation...the LV bulbs and transformer will generate alot of heat. Also if the cable is bunched and not spread out this will also cause a rapid buildup of heat in a confined area. If you have no circulation cooling this area, in the worse case it could cause a fire/Transformer blows/terminal blocks melt ....
Be Careful/Reconsider?....Fredy

 

[aaront]

Thanks for all the advice. Bearing in mind the complications of drilling into possibly ancient plaster and also not knowing what lies in and around the light I will remove the existing ceiling. the gap between floorbaords and ceiling is approx 200mm which is ample space - by removing the ceiling I can ensure that the surround of the light fitting is insulation & debris free.