Downlights in polystrene ceiling tiles

[jenions]

Can I just use mains spots in polystyrene tiles or do I need to use anything specific? Plenty of room above so heat dissipation isn't an issue.

 

[Sintra]

I personally wouldn't like to risk it. The frame of the fitting has got to reach a pretty high temperature if there was a 50W GU 10 lamp in it.

 

[MDJ]

Yeah Agree, unless it is LEDs, however even they can get warm, sounds Dodgy, I may be wrong, sounds a little scary though.

 

[bigbaddave]

I turned up at a commercial job once where they had done this, GU10 50w bulbs although it had not cause any serious damage in the tiles it was clear that they wernt designed for it

 

[jenions]

What about fire rated? I'll fit whatevers safest, just wanted to see what's the best way to do it. Cheers lads

 

[Sparkii]

I wouldnt myself... but i'd think LED would be OK. If it's not your own house, and ur gonna do it... put fittings in that are made for LED's only

 

[jenions]

I would fit 12v's but don't like them to be honest

 

[Sintra]

I would fit 12v's but don't like them to be honest

I hope you mean 12V LED and not 12V halogen

 

[bigbaddave]

12v 240v still let off too much heat.. Only trouble with Led's can you be sure that they wont put Halogen in at a later date?

 

[rattlehead85]

Surely the Poly ceiling tiles wouldn't comply with building regs if you fit new lighting and have to notify it or am i wrong. I would've thought these would be a fire hazard especially with the poisonous fumes they give out if fire does break out.

 

[MDJ]

12v 240v still let off too much heat.. Only trouble with Led's can you be sure that they wont still Halogen in at a late date?

Very Good point Dave, you could use proper LED fittings I suppose, although I'm not convinced they won't get hot.

 

[jenions]

Its an off license and there ceiling tiles for a false ceiling, will have a look at what's best suited

 

[telectrix]

use the all in 0ne LED fittings. if lamp goes you change the complete fitting ang nobody can fit halogens. they're £35 ish.

 

[Sintra]

Ceiling tiles in a lay in grid ceiling aren't polystyrene bud. Those tiles should be ok for fittings but i would suggest cutting a pattress to fit behind the tile.

 

[MDJ]

ah I thought you meant the white fragile tiles that glue to old ceilings in houses, if the 600x600 type then you will be fine with LED fittings IMO

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We both posted at the same time sintra haha.

 

[electric will]

Its an off license and there ceiling tiles for a false ceiling, will have a look at what's best suited

Are you sure the tiles are polystyrene, and not a type of fibre board? I thought you where on about the polystyrene ones that used to be stuck up on house ceilings.

 

[bigbaddave]

If the off licences round your way are anything like our way then they wont pay £35 for a light, I quoted at the guys house for a rewire.. He thought £1500 for a 4 bed lived in rewire was expensive..

- - - Updated - - -

If the off licences round your way are anything like our way then they wont pay £35 for a light, I quoted at the guys house for a rewire.. He thought £1500 for a 4 bed lived in rewire was expensive..

 

[rattlehead85]

Ceiling grid tiles aren't normally poly. As MDJ says led fittings with a flush bezel will do the job.

 

[jenions]

Ahh my bad sorry for confusion, and I thought they were polystyrene as its like a polystyrene tile effect again my bad.
And I doubt the owner will pay for led's he strikes me as the typical tight shop owner.
So other than LED what would you guys recommend?

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Polystyrene ceiling tiles were outlawed years ago. They have to be removed if any building upgrades are carried out. They are highly toxic in a fire. I would refuse point blank to fit anything into these things. Not only are they dangerous, they are hideous to boot.

Cheers............Howard

 

[Stroppy]

as well as the toxic fumes they melt and drip burning polystyrene onto everything below it. I imagine that happening every time I go into my elderly neighbour's house.

 

[jenions]

Yes I was aware of the ban on the domestic style poly tiles, I was mistaken I meant false ceiling tiles and I have been made aware they probably aren't polystyrene

 

[Stroppy]

Sorry, going off at a tangent!

 

[rattlehead85]

Ahh my bad sorry for confusion, and I thought they were polystyrene as its like a polystyrene tile effect again my bad.
And I doubt the owner will pay for led's he strikes me as the typical tight shop owner.
So other than LED what would you guys recommend?

You could also try round open low energy bulb fittings that sink into the tile with spring clip back with enclosed connection stem.

 

[Fin170]

JCC LED3s, £20 each, 7 year warranty if commercial or 10 years domestic

But yes, poly tiles are awful

 

[londonlec]

You could also try round open low energy bulb fittings that sink into the tile with spring clip back with enclosed connection stem.

The PL type recessed down lighters? I was about to suggest them.
They make 2x 18w fittings, they are more expensive, but you should need less of them! See TLC, they stock them.