Discuss Downlights lath and plaster ceiling advice please in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

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Been asked to put a load of downlights into a lath and plaster ceiling. Done plasterboard but not lath and plaster. Is it easy enough to do or will it be a right pain?
 
Its not too bad, often find though that when drilling the holes for the lights the lathe can flex a bit so you have to put a bit of effort in, also if you have that horrid grey plaster full of flint and stuff it can ruin a holesaw. I had a job last year where the lathe started smouldering from being cut as the saw got so hot going through it. if you are worried about the ceiling loosing its strength afterwards then a good dollop of fast drying glue or grab adhesive up in the ceiling on top the edges around the hole helps to strengthen it.
 
As above, factor in a new holesaw into the cost.
Brief the customer that the outcome depends on the age and dryness of the plaster. I have seen this job go fine and end in complete disaster when the plaster is so dried out it has come off in large swathes when disturbed.
 
Choose a fitting with a small cutout but with much larger outer diameter.
Also can you get above the ceiling?
If so cut up some thin pieces of ply with holes in. Then your fitting can push up through the board.
Good quality springs that nearly break your fingers are handy too
 
I’m with Midwest. The L&P downlight installs that I have down have been a right pain. Even with a new,sharp hole cutter, the laths are so dry they shear off in very inconvenient places.

Only take this sort of job on a time and materials basis.
 
cut from above.
If you can, yes.

The issue, from below, I found is that the old plaster very quickly will blunt the holesaw. So I used an old one to cut through the plaster, then a new, sharp one to cut through the lathes. It is a real PITA of a job, IMO.
 

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