Metal frame ceiling; new ceiling light fitting

islanderre

Hello,

I've a hollow core 1st floor. Beneath that is a metal frame ceiling into which the plaster boards are fixed.

Standard light fittings are currently installed but we now want to install decorative ceiling lights.

I don't think the ceiling plaster board will take the weight.

Is there any special fixings that can be got to secure a ceiling light fitting to the metal ceiling frame?

Or.... Do I have to find a way to secure a mount to the hollow core and hang from that?

Cheers!!

smuggler.ie

Same screw can be used to affix your lights , providing screw is long enough(board+plaster ~15mm + light mounting bracket thickness Y mm + 10mm for good measure ) and you can screw into frame
Some screw have drill-bit tip, but that is not mandatory and some times make pilot-hole to big.

You might opt for different type screw-head for bigger "support" area or use washer

https://styves.co.za/everything-you-need-to-know-about-drywall-screws/

Other "heavy-duty" fixtures available, where screwing directly to metal stud not possible.
Ask in hardware shop for advise.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=heavy+weight+plasterboard+fixings&iar=images&t=ftsa

islanderre

Thanks very much for the reply smuggler....

I'll try the hardware shop for them screws and see how things go.

Twill be after Christmas when I tackle the job

Cheers

meercat

I would expect that a timber batten/board was installed attached to your metal frame for instances such as this. Is it possible to drill some small holes to confirm this or poke a screwdriver up when you remove the existing fixture

islanderre

Evening Meercat,

I don't recall any timber under the hollow core...

I'll have a look back at the build photos and check.

Thanks for the help