lath and plaster

[paul b b]

hi chaps,

any tips on the above?

i have to fit downlighters and sockets.

any tips greatfully recived!

paul

 

[Lurch]

Personally I'm not keen on fitting downlighters in lath and plaster. If you have to then a very sharp holesaw would be handy.

As for the sockets, I'm assuming you're going flush? Depends on how neat you want to be, easiest way is hack the wall out and fit battens then fit plasterboard in the holes and plaster. Neatest way is buy a Fein Multimaster and cut the boxes in with that, I've done it many times and the results have been spot on. You can use a decent padsaw, preferably with a fine-ish blade in to avoid disturbing the now loose laths. I wouldn't guarantee the plaster won;t crack in any instance as you are ultimately removing the structural integrity of the wall around the socket.

 

[batty]

There is a link on tips and tricks for lath and plaster walls and I think there is a link for downlights will try to find them.

Batty

http://www.talk.electricianforum.co.uk/showthread.php?p=17764

 

[Andy™]

depending on plaster thickness, you can sometimes fit a dry liner in. but you need to be careful cutting it out so you dont snap the wood and loose it

a holesaw will sort the lights, but be aware its messier than plasterboard

 

[Theorysparky]

holesaw for the lights,,,,,then holesaw a thin piece of plywood obove and over the hole

so when you put the down lighter up you get a solid fit...

 

[NozSpark]

Apart from what has been said above,,, I'd use "F" rated downlights

 

[green-hornet]

holesaw for the lights,,,,,then holesaw a thin piece of plywood obove and over the holeso when you put the down lighter up you get a solid fit...

This is a must in my opinion, thin ply will give you a solid base for the downlights to hold to. I have seen many installed that when the user has had to change the lamps the whole fitting has come down with no solid hold left.

As for sockets in lath walls I try at all costs to avoid it, for some reason I find the walls less stable then the cielings, but if you have to then use a new padsaw and be gentle, if it falls apart cut away more of the wall and apply battons to the original wood, then plasterboard where you need the socket neat job safe and secure, and less likely to be damaged during normal use.

 

[Voltimax]

I would steer well clear of fitting any recessed lights into lath and plaster ceilings, even if using fire rated fittings. You're asking for problems, even if you make a fair job of it you can bet that when the customer starts changing lamps, the plaster will start to crumble and guess who'll they'll be calling? Not only that most manufacturers state not to mount them in flammable materials, you go to all the trouble of not mounting them close to joists, so why would you mount them in tinder wood?

As for sockets? I do as Lurch suggested.

 

[NozSpark]

This is a must in my opinion, thin ply will give you a solid base for the downlights to hold to. I have seen many installed that when the user has had to change the lamps the whole fitting has come down with no solid hold left.As for sockets in lath walls I try at all costs to avoid it, for some reason I find the walls less stable then the cielings, but if you have to then use a new padsaw and be gentle, if it falls apart cut away more of the wall and apply battons to the original wood, then plasterboard where you need the socket neat job safe and secure, and less likely to be damaged during normal use.

Or try and hit the studs??

sods law is you won't when you want to and will when you don't though:_|

 

[green-hornet]

Or try and hit the studs??sods law is you won't when you want to and will when you don't though:_|

Thats the most annoying thing ever!!

 

[paul b b]

thanks chaps!

 

[cock]

im not sure about your laws over there but i try to avoid putting downlights into lath if they can afford the downlights then they should replaster the ceiling problem fixed ,everyone happy