Surface Mount T8 Fixtures on Metal Liner Ceiling?

[Imusprofit]

How are you guys installing your fixtures? I have 24 standard box-type T8 fixtures that surface mount to flat ceilings. However, my metal ceiling liner has corrugation ribs making the surface irregular. Any suggestions on how to mount them? Do they make some sort of spacer or adapter for this situation?

 

[Farmallboy15]

I'm assuming the ribs run perpendicular to the trusses. Are you trying to set the lights parallel or perpendicular to the ribs? If parallel to ribs I would think about Unistrut to span the gap between trusses. If perpendicular to the ribs and setting on the trusses I would try to space it off with a chunk of 2x4.

 

[Imusprofit]

I'm assuming the ribs run perpendicular to the trusses. Are you trying to set the lights parallel or perpendicular to the ribs? If parallel to ribs I would think about Unistrut to span the gap between trusses. If perpendicular to the ribs and setting on the trusses I would try to space it off with a chunk of 2x4.

I was thinking of maybe both directions for good light coverage. What's a Unistrut??

 

[farmall400]

I'm about to do this myself. I have the 2 bulb fixtures and metal ceiling liner. I was planning on just using some self tapping screws to mount the fixtures to the liner. I plan on mounting some this weekend. I'll report back good or bad results!

 

[Bert_]

I don't see a problem, fixtures will either sit down in the flat or across the top of the ribs. Where would you need spacers?

Don't use self tapping screws. The tin is not thick enough, they will strip easily. Use the pointed sheet metal screws (look like wood screws).

 

[farmall400]

I don't see a problem, fixtures will either sit down in the flat or across the top of the ribs. Where would you need spacers?

Don't use self tapping screws. The tin is not thick enough, they will strip easily. Use the pointed sheet metal screws (look like wood screws).

Thanks for the tip. I'll get some.

 

[tfi racing]

You do not want to screw them to the sheet metal alone, they need to be fastened to the structure behind the tin. Just torque them up snug against the ribs and you should be fine.