Drop Ceiling Projector Mount Installation Tips

Follow these tips before installing your drop ceiling projector mount, which may require different steps than installing a mount into a regular ceiling.

Kits

You can usually purchase a mount specifically for drop ceilings. However, a lot of projectors come with universal mounts. If you choose to purchase a package deal, you may need to purchase a separate drop ceiling kit to go along with it. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to find a kit with a drop ceiling mount already in it.

Know What’s Up There

A drop ceiling is basically a ceiling underneath another ceiling. The space between these two ceilings is usually used for HVAC systems. It can also hide pipes and electrical wiring. Know what’s above you before you start to install anything. You will want to try to get the mount on two studs to give it added security. Since the mount will require an extension rod for this, you need to have an idea of where these things are. This part can be tricky to measure out, but as long as you know what your limits are you will ok fine.

Weight

Make sure you know the weight of your projector as well as the weight with standing of the mount you’ve picked out. This is especially important with drop ceilings. A mount that can not withstand the weight of the actual projector will result not only in the projector crashing to your floor, but possible damage to your ceiling. Avoid this by having this information before you purchase a mount.

Look

Installing a drop ceiling mount means making an unsightly hole in your ceiling. Fortunately, you can mask the hole and make it look very professional with some simple hardware that is probably already included in your kit. If not, buy an Escutchen ring from any hardware store. This will just snap around the extension rod at the drop ceiling and mask the hole.

Screen

Experiment with the projector a little before you mount it. The placement of your screen will determine where you will install your mount. The easiest way to find the best spot is to set the zoom on the projector in the middle position. Standing in the center of the screen, move toward and away from it until the image just fills screen. You should install your mount directly overhead from this spot.

Professionals

If you run in to problems, your local audio/video store will likely have professionals who can help you install the mount for the perfect projection experience.