i want to mount a 4 kg projector in a plasterboard ceiling but can't find the joint so it will have to go in the plasterboard, i wanted to know if it will hold and what kind of things i'll need.
also if it will hold a 100" projector screen that is about 12 kg
really need help with this.
Drywall – can a plasterboard ceiling hold a 4 kg projector
carpentryceilingdrywall
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Berkeley, CA has a tool library for just this kind of rental. Major home stores have rentals, and there are chains of rental shops like Hertz Rentals.
You'll need a drill, a masonry bit, and a concrete anchor. Your local hardware store can supply the last two. Each anchor will have a specified hole size.
The ceiling is almost certainly not cinderblock. But it could be reinforced concrete, which is a good strong material to anchor to.
From the Stanley IntelliSensor™ Stud Sensor instruction manual.
Calibration:
- Hold the IntelliSensor™ Stud Sensor flat against the surface, making firm contact.
- Locate the activation switch on the right-hand side of the unit – press and hold in. The red LEDs will briefly flash and the green LED “Power” light will go on and remain on. Keep holding the activation switch during all of the following procedures.
Note: While calibrating, the IntelliSensor™ Stud Sensor must not be placed directly over a stud, dense material such as metal, or over a wet or newly painted area, or it will not properly calibrate. Move to a different location and try again
Usage:
Slide the IntelliSensor™ unit slowly across the surface in a straight line.
As it moves closer to the stud, red LEDs will go on. When it detects the stud edge, the top LED will go on and an audio tone will sound.
Use the handy pencil hole marker on the IntelliSensor™ unit to mark the stud edge.
Double check stud location by coming from the opposite direction. Make additional markings. The midpoint of the two marks indicates the stud center.
Cautions on Operating:
The proximity of electrical wiring or pipes to the surface of the wall may cause the IntelliSensor™ unit to detect them as studs. You should always use caution when nailing, cutting or drilling in walls, ceilings and floors that may contain these items. Always remember that studs or joists are normally spaced 16 inches or 24 inches apart and are 1-1/2 inches in width. To avoid surprises be aware that anything closer together or of a different width may not be a stud, joist or fire break.
Surface Differences
Wallpaper
There will be no difference in the function of the IntelliSensor™ Stud Sensor on surfaces covered with wallpaper or fabric unless the coverings used contain metallic foil or fibers.
Plaster and Lath
Unless lath and plaster construction is excessively thick, there will be no problem with proper functioning of the IntelliSensor™ unit.
Ceilings
When dealing with a rough surface such as a sprayed ceiling, utilize a piece of cardboard when scanning the surface. Run through the calibration technique described earlier with the piece of cardboard too, to assure best performance of the unit. Also, it is particularly important in this application to remember to keep your free hand away from the unit.
Specifications
Utilizing the procedure of scanning and marking from two sides, the IntelliSensor™ unit will find the stud center within 1/8" accuracy for wood and 1/4" accuracy for metal.
When measuring a wood stud under 3/4" drywall, it is recommended the IntelliSensorTM to be used at 35-55% relative humidity.
Related Topic
- Drywall – How to mount a TV bracket to a plasterboard/drywall ceiling
- Ceiling – What type of screws would work best for hanging a projector from the ceiling
- Ceiling – How much can I safely suspend from ceiling joist? Which screws
- Drywall – Projector arm on drywall (possible stud available)
- Drywall – Hanging 10kg/22lbs pulldown projector screen from hollow plasterboard/drywall WITHOUT JOISTS
- Electrical – Installing a projector a ceiling junction box
- Drywall – Building a New Wall with Projector Niche
Best Answer
While I hate mounting things in ceilings without reaching joists (or other framing members), some modern toggle type anchors can hold loads of over 100 kg each in 1/2 inch drywall per anchor (many jurisdictions require 5/8 or thicker drywall in ceilings).
The load on ceiling mounted items is tensile and the use of several mounting anchors should give you lots of room. This link shows the load ratings of one brand of toggle anchors. Brand to brand ratings may vary slightly.
I strongly prefer the rotating bar type toggles over the old spring-wing types. They allow installation and removal without losing the interior component, and the load seems to be better spread over the drywall surface.
While two or more toggle anchors are theoretically more than enough for a 12 kg screen, the ratings are for static tensile use. If the screen is being moved up and down, either mechanically or by hand, that is a dynamic load that multiplies the strain on the fitting.
There still should be enough room for normal use, but understand that someone pulling down with their whole weight on a screen is more than any such mounting bracket can sustain.
Finally, things falling from the ceiling can do serious harm. Make sure that the projector, and especially the screen, do not pose a risk to humans (we can live with broken ceilings and devices).