A Professional Electrician Explains The Types Of Lighting To Install On A Drop Ceiling | Arlington, TX
Let there be lights! A few things can add warmth and character to your home, like intentionally placed lighting. Lights can transform a dull room into an inviting place, and you don’t even have to spend a lot of money on decorations. Drop ceilings provide the perfect backdrop for an exciting yet functional light display.
Drop ceilings, called false or suspended ceilings, are installed below the main ceiling. They are usually seen in commercial buildings where they hide wiring and piping. Drop ceilings can improve ventilation and hide unsightly spots on the primary ceiling when installed in a home.
Below are some of the lighting options that are available for drop ceilings. Because most of these require the installation of new electrical fixtures, you should always hire a licensed electrician to install the lights for you in Arlington, TX.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting has become very popular over the years. The minimalist and modern look makes it a favorite among many homeowners. These lights are installed directly into the ceiling and sit flush with the wall. They are often seen in hallways and small spaces where a hanging light could be in the way. Recessed lighting is perfect in bathrooms, showers, and places with a lot of moisture.
Installing recessed lighting can be a complicated process and is often done on new construction. An electrician will have to cut holes in the ceiling for the light fixtures. The technician sometimes has to wire a new circuit from the electrical panel.
A drop ceiling makes the process much easier. An electrician will not have to worry about any other wires or utilities that could be in the way. It is also easier to fix a light or the wiring if something malfunctions.
Troffer Lighting
Often found in office spaces or retail stores, troffer lights are square lights that fit into a grid drop ceiling. Though not a usual choice for residential lighting, they are suitable for spaces where you need a lot of light, like in an oversized garage. Troffer lights used to have fluorescent tubes. Modern troffers use LED lights, making them an energy-efficient choice.
If you have a grid drop ceiling, an electrician will remove one panel and install the correct size troffer. Troffer lights are relatively bulky, and a drop ceiling offers enough space to install them easily.
Panel Lighting
Panel lighting is similar to troffer lighting in that it can be installed into a grid drop ceiling. Unlike troffers, panels come in many different sizes and shapes. Some even have changing color LEDs and patterns that can complement your style. Many panel lights are also dimmable.
An electrician will either remove a panel from a grid ceiling or cut the desired shape from the drywall to install them. Panels have a sleek design and do not occupy a lot of space. In some instances, the electrician might not even need to cut anything.
Hanging Lights
These lights are directly attached to the ceiling. This includes that dramatic chandelier that adds a nice touch of class. The options are limitless, with pendants, sconces, track lights, flush and semi-flush mounts, and accent lights.
With track lighting, you can illuminate a specific space, draw attention to art pieces, or light up a dark corner. Flush mounts are lights that sit close to the ceiling. They are suitable for places with low ceilings and limited space, and you do not want to install recessed lights.
A drop ceiling will offer you more space to install as many lights as you want. You won’t have to worry about damaging the ceiling. Just be sure to enlist the services of a professional who will correctly assess the weight the ceiling can carry.
Also, you do not want your dazzling light display to overheat and accidentally cause an electrical fire. Between 2015 to 2019, 32,620 home electrical fires were caused by lighting equipment and electrical distributions.
Cove Lighting
Cove lighting makes a room look much bigger than it is. This indirect lighting is installed along the coves, recesses, or ledges of a ceiling and illuminates the ceiling and the walls. This is one way to draw attention to that drop ceiling and make it stand out. Cove lighting diffuses illumination making for a soft, elegant ambiance.
Usually, cove lighting is done by installing LED strips along the perimeter of the ceiling. Many manufacturers offer plug-and-play LEDs that you can plug into an outlet and don’t need to be hardwired.
Still, if you want to do a large area or room and need multiple LED strips, you should consider hiring a professional with a lot of experience.
To Wrap It Up!
Drop ceilings can offer a unique way to lighten up your space. If you choose one or more of the above options, you should opt for LED lights. LED lights use 75 percent less energy than other light bulbs and last 25 times longer. They also do not overheat as much as other types of lights.
Be sure to talk to your electrician first before commencing any electrical remodel. You might need to install a new circuit breaker and draw new wires for your new lights. Some of these upgrades may also require you to receive a permit.
Tioga Plumbing & Electric Won’t Leave You in the Dark
If you are looking for a licensed, insured, and bonded electrician in Arlington, TX, Tioga Plumbing & Electric a phone call away. We have many years of experience, and our trained electricians are experts in dealing with all electrical issues.
Our services include but are not limited to electrical repairs, appliance installations, code compliance, rewiring, indoor and outdoor lighting, and backup generator installations.
We have an emergency team that’s available 24/7, 365 days a year. Whatever your emergency, no matter what time of day or night, our professionals will be there to help you. Call Tioga Plumbing & Electric today and start benefiting from our services in Arlington, TX.