Attaching heavy projector to top of wall/ceiling

Sandtree

We want to put out projector up at ceiling height either by attaching it to the ceiling next to the back wall (preferably) or to the back wall itself.

The ceiling is a suspended ceiling on aluminimum supports with a structural steel/concrete ceiling circa 30cm above. The ceiling has an amazing amount of flex in it whenever altering spot lights and concerned about any idea of relying on this system to support the weight of the projector and mount (about 15kg). The side walls are dot & dab ontop of some fairly robust blockwork.

I think it would be neater to have it on the ceiling rather than having brackets visible for a shelf on the backwall so was wondering about maybe putting a shelf on the backwall but in the void between the plasterboard and structural ceiling with the "shelf" level with the plasterboard and then hang the projector onto the underside of the shelf. Idea seemed ok but then struggling to see which brackets definitely work under suspension rather than compression with this kind of weight... the only ones that certainly seem to fit that requirements are ones designed to hold a microwave.

Is there anything that I should have thought of but havent? Any better solutions?

TELLIT01

Any fixings would have to be attached to the structural concrete ceiling.  Aluminium framed suspended ceilings are generally not designed to support anything more than the lighting and ceiling tiles.  The solution you suggest of brackets fitted to the wall above the suspended ceiling could work, the load is straight down whether the load is from above or below the bracket.

Sandtree

When I look up at the structural ceiling all I see is the steel form that the concrete has been poured onto. I am not sure how sensible it would be to try and attach anything to or through that.

grumbler

Sandtree said:

I am not sure how sensible it would be to try and attach anything to or through that.

I don't see why not. After all, what the suspended ceiling is fixed to?

Grenage

We have suspended ceilings at work and our projectors were attached to poles mounted on the steels.  At least until very recently - it's amazing much little a basic 75" TV costs now.

bris

Just put a timber baton immediately above the ceiling screwed in to the back wall with suitable fixings, then mount the projector to that from below. 

Sandtree

Grenage said:

We have suspended ceilings at work and our projectors were attached to poles mounted on the steels.  At least until very recently - it's amazing much little a basic 75" TV costs now.

Ours is a domestic setup so its normal plasterboard and no visible frame rather than the normal square tiles that you can lift in and out in a commercial environment. I'm not even 100% sure the spacing of the metal or how the plasterboard attaches... a chap did cut an exploratory hole to see if there was an option to raise the ceiling plus what was in various boxing so guess I should unscrew that and have a look up there at some point before fixing it.

Unfortunately due to the low ceiling height we'll be limited to a 120" and TVs of that size are still very expensive plus personally there are many things I dont want to watch that large but do love the big screen experience for movies.

grumbler said:

I don't see why not. After all, what the suspended ceiling is fixed to?

I am guessing the metalwork, havent actually seen any of the "suspensions" yet. Presumably just drill through the steel into the concrete? 

bris said:

Just put a timber baton immediately above the ceiling screwed in to the back wall with suitable fixings, then mount the projector to that from below. 

Not sure how you are envisaging the mount attaching to the baton? The mount is nearly flush/flat and is obviously designed for a normal domestic ceiling where at least one side would be screwed into the joists 

Grenage

How heavy is the projector?  Mine at home is simply on the plasterboard with hollow wall anchors.

Sandtree

Grenage said:

How heavy is the projector?  Mine at home is simply on the plasterboard with hollow wall anchors.

Inc mount its about 13kg... original post I said 15kg to consider both cables and continegncy.

I have some hollow wall anchors but a) they are rated for being vertical and a force downwards rather than being on a ceiling with a force downwards (ie trying to pull it straight out) and b) I am concerned of the overall strength of the ceiling so the anchors could hold but the plasterboard come off from the aluminium or such

grumbler

Sandtree said:

I am guessing the metalwork, havent actually seen any of the "suspensions" yet. Presumably just drill through the steel into the concrete? 

It might be just me, but I don't understand. Can you post a schematic diagram of your ceiling construction?

Yes, I don't see any problem with drilling through the steel into the concrete. Then, depending on the thickness of the steel, you can either cut tread in it or use fixings for concrete walls.

Grenage

If you're really worried then just secure a piece of wood above the pb to spread the weight and screw into that.