I need to mount a projector on the ceiling ... help!? I was assigned the task of mounting the projector on the ceiling at work and do not know if I should hang acoustical tile or ceiling above.
Never get anything directly to acoustic tiles.
1) It is a violation of the Commercial Code and I suppose the term "work" you're not in a private residence.
2) Even if they bear the weight first, acoustic tile sag over time.
3) If ever there was a fire and the sprinklers come on, acoustic tile rapidly loses integrity when it is wet and it would be a pity to lose a spotlight on some innocent.
Either run a center ceiling mount true (which is fine if it's not too far away) or go ahead and mount it on the floor, but the weight using shrouds, cables aeronautical or some type of wire rope to attach to the structure.
It's really a matter of trial by you. Regardless, the projector can not be mounted on a regular acoustic ceiling tile. If a projector is compact and lightweight that you can possibly get away with supporting a tile that has a piece of wood or metal that is the width of the tile on top and mount the projector would be bolted through the floor and the piece of wood or metal. In other words, the piece of wood or metal would be the strengthening of the tile and the tile grid is held projector. In this case, you would always have a security thread connecting the mounting hardware on top of the tile with something really solid in the ceiling above.
If it is a heavy projector, you need support from above. If your company has an electrician or electrical contractor from outside, they can help you. Electricians do this kind of thing all the time - they know how to do it safely. The last thing you want is to drop the projector from the ceiling. Not good for the expensive projector or any person below.
The other advantage of getting an electrician to help you with this is that you'll need an outlet for the projector in the ceiling and you'll need to run a VGA cable and video for.
In both cases you'll need a ceiling for the projector to start.
Send me an email if you have further questions.
Posted on June 15, 2010.
