New kitchen ceiling questions

[deckertim]

I am putting recessed mains halogen lights in my kitchen. These will be in a ceiling that I won't be able to access from above, once in place (it is a single story extenstion, with a pitched roof, but no room for a loft hatch). I am using crimped connections as a result of this inaccessbility. I have a couple of questions that I hope this group can assist with.

1. I am putting in a completely new plasterboard ceiling. As I put this in I will also be adding insulation. How critical is it to leave a gap around where the lights will be. My intention was to have the cable lying between the joist. Then cut a hole in the ceiling after plastering and pull the cable through for connection. At the same time making a small hole in insulation. Presumeably, neither fibreglass or rockwool are flammable so I figured this would be ok. I have heard about using plant pots, but these will be tricky to get in place whilst putting the ceiling in place. What are the pros/cons of this approach?

1. In conditions of heavy wind and rain, I get a few small leaks, but less than a egg cup full. This appears to be due to the roof lining which needs replacement. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and the weather, I am only intending to lift the tiles and replace this next year. Is there anything I can do to prevent this damaging the newly plastered ceiling. The previous ceiling seemed to have withstood this fairly well.

Thanks, Tim

[TheScullster]

From experience, be aware that some (maybe just the more expensive directional type) light fittings have gaps between outer housing and bulb mounting. This allows all manner of creapy crawlies, likely attracted by the light in the first place, access from loft space to kitchen (or in my case bathroom). I made some covers for the "backs" of my fittings to keep these critters at bay and also stop insulation covering them. Is there no way you can accommodate a hatch?

Phil

[deckertim]

critters at

Thanks

Unfortunately the loft hatch is out of the question due to the height, about 3 ft tapering to nothing, but more importantly SWMBO doesn't want one!!

[Lobster]

Reminds me of when I once had to change a downlighter bulb in the bathroom - I pulled out the bulb and was deluged with a shower of hundreds of dead wasps, presumably they'd been living in the roofspace, came to investigate the Bright Light and ... no more wasp.