Choosing LED Panel Sizes For Suspended Ceiling Grids
Metric grids, cut-out dimensions and void depth - the three numbers that decide a panel order.
In This Guide
The Grid Is The Specification
A suspended ceiling is built on a module, and the panel has to drop into that module. Metric grids are normally 300mm or 600mm, which is why panel sizes cluster around 295x295, 295x595, 595x595, 295x1195 and 595x1195mm.
The panel is slightly under the nominal module because it has to sit within the tee bar rather than on top of it. That is why a 600mm module takes a 595mm panel.
Imperial Grids Are Different
North American ceilings are frequently built on a two foot module, which is 610mm. A 595mm panel in a 610mm grid leaves a visible gap.
If the building is on an imperial grid, say so at enquiry stage. It changes the product, not just the quantity.
Void Depth Decides What Is Possible
Above the ceiling tile there is usually far less room than the drawing suggests, once ductwork, sprinkler pipework and cable tray are in.
Our flat panel series is 12 to 13mm deep, which is what makes it usable in voids that will not accept a conventional recessed luminaire. Measure the actual void at its worst point, not its best.
Recessed Round And Square Panels
Where the ceiling is plasterboard rather than grid, the relevant number is the cut-out, not the outside dimension. Our round and square recessed series publish cut-out diameters against each part number.
Cut the ceiling from the cut-out column of the series table. Cutting from the outside dimension produces a hole the panel falls through.
Planning The Layout
Work from a target illuminance for the space and the published output per panel, rather than from wattage or from how the last job looked.
Keep to one colour temperature per space and order the whole ceiling together so panels come from one production batch.
Where the room does more than one job, specify the tunable white series and settle the argument with a remote rather than with a specification meeting.
Product ranges covered in this guide
Products Discussed In This Guide
Questions About This Topic
What size panel fits a 600mm grid?
595x595mm. The panel sits within the tee bar, so it is slightly under the nominal module.
How deep a ceiling void do I need?
The flat panel series is 12 to 13mm deep. Measure the actual void at its tightest point.
What if my ceiling is plasterboard rather than grid?
Use the recessed round or square series and cut to the published cut-out dimension, not the outside dimension.
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