Articles By Syndicated Columnist
Dan Thomas
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Improvement Inside And Out
Installing
Lighting In A Suspended Ceiling
Project Overview:
Many fixtures require some assembly. To wire the light, feed cable through
the opening in the top. For long runs of fluorescent lighting, connect the
fixtures end-to-end with special locknuts and connectors. The mounting bracket
varies from brand to brand – some have a tee-bracket that attaches to each
end cap. Attach the bracket ends to the fixture, lift the fixture into place,
and attach the brackets to the ceiling grid. Install the bulbs in the fixture
and insert the cover. Before you start, contact your municipal building
department.
Step 1
ASSEMBLE LIGHT FIXTURES (IF NEEDED)
Most ceiling lights require assembly, which can vary slightly from brand to
brand. Typically the fixture comes in several pieces: a reflector, which may
or may not) be part of the main housing; two bulb sockets per bulb; two end
caps; and mounting brackets. Snap the sockets in place. Put the end caps on
the housing and screw them in place.
Step 2
FEED CABLE TO WIRE THE LIGHT
To wire the light, feed cable through the opening in the top. Twist the
light's black wire around the black cable wire, then twist the white cable and
light wires together. Twist a wire nut over both and wrap electrician's tape
around each nut and its wires. Screw the ground wire to the green screw in the
fixture.
Step 3
FASTEN REFLECTOR TO END CAPS (IF NEEDED)
Fasten the reflector to the end caps, if necessary. The mounting bracket
varies from brand to brand, but the lights shown here has a tee-bracket that
attaches to each end cap. Attach the bracket ends to the fixture, lift the
fixture into place, and attach the brackets to the ceiling grid. Install the
bulbs in the fixture.
Step 4
INSERT THE COVER
Insert the cover. Slide a translucent plastic panel into place under the
fixture. Angle the piece so you can position first one side and then the other
on the grid. If the fit is tight, create flexibility by temporarily removing a
ceiling panel next to the fixture.
