Plasterboard crumbling attaching ceiling light

[wamballa]

Hi

I'm trying to attach a glass ceiling light to my plasterboard ceiling but the plasterboard keeps crumbling in the chosen area and the light fitting falls out.

I can get access to the cavity behind the light but it will be a fiddle.

Is there a way of strengthening the existing plasterboard?

Or is only option to cut a larger hole in the plasterboard and try to get a baton behind the plasterboard?

Any help is appreciated,

Cheers
Steve

 

[vibrobullit407]

Hi

I'm trying to attach a glass ceiling light to my plasterboard ceiling but the plasterboard keeps crumbling in the chosen area and the light fitting falls out.

I can get access to the cavity behind the light but it will be a fiddle.

Is there a way of strengthening the existing plasterboard?

Or is only option to cut a larger hole in the plasterboard and try to get a baton behind the plasterboard?

Any help is appreciated,

Cheers
Steve

It would be my advice to do as you have suggested with regards to fitting a batten above and screwing the fitting to that. Is it feasible to cut a bigger hole where the fitting will go to place something like a roofing latt above, and for the fitting to cover the hole? You may also have to fill the hole afterwards with a bit of plasterboard to reinstate the fire barrier!

 

[joe-90]

Fix it to the nearest joist.

 

[vibrobullit407]

Fix it to the nearest joist.

Would be best scenario but I am assuming that the fitting is not near a joist or op would have done this instead of asking if placing a batten was the best option!

 

[wamballa]

Thanks

Will go the batten route as can't move nearer joist.

Didn't think that i'd have to fill the hole i make back due to fire precautions.

Do i need to use plasterboard or is there any other material i can use? don't want to buy a big bit of plasterboard just for this job.

Cheers
steve[/quote]

 

[vibrobullit407]

Doesn't have to be plasterboard you could just place something above and use filler if you want. I don't think it such a major problem but we are advised to check above fittings on an electrical installation condition report that fire barriers are there and intact. Not something that a hole above a pendant would give concern to but if making a large whole it could get a mention.

 

[wamballa]

Brilliant.
Thanks for your quick help!
Steve