Integrating Suspended Ceiling Lights for Form and Functionality
Also known as a drop ceiling grid, t-bar, or false ceiling, a t-grid ceiling is a framework of metal components that support ceiling tiles or panels. The t-grid is installed from the room’s primary ceiling structure to create a secondary ceiling below the original surface. This grid also supports lighting luminaires, concealing electrical wiring, and HVAC ductwork while providing access for future above-ceiling maintenance.
The modern-day example of a suspended ceiling grid is an extension of suspended ceilings used in Japan as early as the 14th century, during the Muromachi Period. These suspended ceilings were primarily for aesthetics, but by the 16th century, The Blackfriars Theatre in London, England, was incorporating dropped ceilings to improve acoustics.
In 1923, a patent was awarded to Eric E. Hall for his dropped ceiling design, and another patent was issued in 1950 for a fully developed grid system by Bibb, Remmen, and Bibb. A few years later Herbert Wong patented the modular ceiling with the first integration of tiles and grids. The popularity of drop ceiling t-grids in commercial environments has significantly increased since the mid-20th century. Widely adopted in office and retail spaces, these ceiling structures have engineering improvements that have enhanced the ease of installation, improved materials have reduced spatial acoustics, improved visual space enhancements, and decreased energy usage.
Common types of ceiling grids are the 1-inch face T-bar grid or 1-inch-wide grid. The 15/16″ grid system is the most common. Both grid sizes are compatible with 2′ x 2′ ceiling tiles or 2′ x 4′ ceiling tiles. The smaller 9/16″ grid system is contemporary in style; this grid reduced in size has seen increased usage popularity in architectural and commercial environments. Using noise-absorbing materials to reduce sound levels in spaces has increased the use of acoustic materials in the ceiling panels.
Linear LED lighting systems are installed directly to the suspended ceiling grid, while other styles of linear LED luminaires are both a grid support structure and an illumination source. Offices, retail spaces, medical facilities, and schools frequently utilize LED light fixtures combined with or mounted on a suspended ceiling grid.
Using suspended LED linear lighting fixtures enables the ability to hang luminaires from the grid using cables or rods. These suspended linear lights offer direct and/or indirect lighting distribution capabilities. Uplighting distribution patterns use the reflectance of the ceiling panels above to give a more even reflected illumination with reduced glare to the area below. The downlighting illumination improves task lighting on the surfaces below. Both up/down distribution with illumination level controls give these LED linear luminaires unparalleled lighting flexibility. The result is an environment that is aesthetically appealing and practical. At the same time, the t-grid ceiling conceals electrical wiring, acoustic panels reduce noise, and the ceiling structure provides easy access for future upkeep, changes, and updates.
Lighting fixtures installed with suspended grid ceilings include recessed and suspended lights.
- Troffer Lights – rectangular or square fixtures designed to fit into standard 2×2 or 2×4 ceiling grids. These lights provide even, diffuse light, ideal for general or ambient lighting. They are popular in offices, classrooms, retail stores, and hospitals.
- LED Flat Panel Lights – slim profile fixtures that offer a streamlined, less invasive appearance and provide even, glare-free illumination. Flat panels may be suitable for small spaces and various commercial settings.
- Recessed Can or Downlights – Installed flush with the ceiling, ideal for rooms with limited ceiling height. These fixtures provide focused, directional light for tasks or accent lighting.
- Suspended Linear Lighting – designed to hang from the ceiling grid via suspension cables or rods and can be used for ambient and task lighting. Suspended linear fixtures are popular in commercial and retail, where style and function are required.
- Recessed Linear Light Fixtures – combines the sleek design of linear lighting with the unobtrusive nature of recessed fixtures. Installed flush with the t-grid ceiling, these recessed fixtures create a seamless and modern appearance.
Lumato is an industry leader in LED Linear Luminaires. Flexible in engineering designs, Lumato LED linear luminaires are directly mounted, suspended, or incorporated in the structure of t-grid ceiling systems. These luminaires achieve maximum fixture spacing with consistent illumination level using their ultra-wide beam spread distribution pattern. Lumato’s direct distribution with seamless lens and indirect bat-wing distribution of these linear luminaires eliminate glare, giving a smooth, even illumination to the space below. The Lumato compact light engine gives the lighting practitioner a variety of indirect and direct lighting distributions. Luminaires have a clean transition from fixture to mounting cables, and their Sure-Fit Alignment system ensures straighter rows and tighter seams. Luminaires have 3000K, 3500K, and 4000K CCT, >90 CRI, integrated illumination controls, option emergency lighting backup, and a 10-year warranty.