Magic Stud Finder! 🤫 Installing LED Downlights & Wireless Switch

[@artisanelectrics]

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[@aardvarkinstalls]

Another great video Jordan. I'm in the process of starting up my own channel for TV / AV installations and CCTV that i do. I'm just curious as to what camera and voice recording equipment you use for your videos as i dont want to have to use my iPhone for it all as I'm on it all day. Could you point me in the right direction of what you use please? Would really appreciate it.

[@artisanelectrics]

We have a great cameraman and editor now but when I started it was just me with my iPhone

[@aardvarkinstalls]

@@artisanelectrics oh really, crickey! OK mate cheers

[@Atsaki13]

A stack of 10 small neodymium magnets, disconnect 1 at each magnetic spot. You can then leave them on the ceiling for your stud centres and easy visual of what is where 👍🏻

[@artisanelectrics]

Nice tip!

[@plunder1956]

I've seen this used and it is cool. The hold they have is amazing.

[@clivepenny]

And less than £! each mag!

[@DerekHundik]

Only when studs are metalic

[@Atsaki13]

@@DerekHundik Its more to find the plasterboard fixings, not the actual stud. I don't think I've ever come across a fixing that isn't magnetic.

[@garethg2501]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet, but another tip for using hole saws is to start drilling forwards and finish off in reverse. Generally prolongs the life of the teeth and also less chance of cutting unseen cables etc

[@criqdekuyper9259]

Reverse all the way in drywall. More forgiving when starting the cut.

[@chrischaralambous286]

I've Just read this comment, what a great tip. Will give it a go next time I use a hole saw.👍

[@topgazza]

The clearest explanation of electrical work on You Tube without the rancour and bitterness of many. Just straightforward intelligent and helpful techniques and processes. Thank you

[@plunder1956]

Very useful ideas about feeding cables. KEEP plasterboard disks you cut out, to cover unwanted holes. Using a short length of batton fed into the hole, bridging it; secured with plasterboard screws at each end. Then screw and glue the loose disk to the batton. Once glue is set, screws can be removed. Just fill the holes and gaps with filler for a neat finish.

[@stikndip]

Done this. Works a treat.

[@MrJSmithify]

Great tip, thanks! Quick question - what are your options if the disc is too chewed up to reuse? How do you cover the unwanted holes without a disc?

[@Paul_Holmes]

@@MrJSmithify If I had any other plasterboard with old skim on it I'd cut a piece from that to fit, otherwise I would cut a disk from a fresh piece of plasterboard and then it would need just a thin skim of filler to come flush with the ceiling.

[@MrJSmithify]

👍Thanks @@Paul_Holmes!

[@Beringtom]

I recommend getting a "Snake cam" it will help you with seeing inside cellings and walls with just a small hole

[@hoojchoons2258]

Couple of tips, when finding the joists use small bits of PVC tape to mark along the ceiling so you get a good picture of what's what. When fishing blind in holes stick your mobile phone up there like a periscope and take plenty of pictures, normally makes things much clearer! This only works with older mobiles, NOT the huge bricks with massive screens as seen today!!

[@jtk1ify]

amazing kit to resolve access problems its like watching Ethan Hunt at work

[@dexster747]

Great vid as always! Never thougth about using that ring for gliding down another cable, I did lose miune as soon as I bougth a set though. Also, I havnt seen any sparks do this, but when I install pendents, if its a single boarded ceiling, i tend to fit one of those round drylining boxes. Cable stays in there so the mud flickers are happy, you get some room if you need to fish ect and its useful for when you need a stronger fixing and and the previous hole is just blown out or no stud/joost is near. Also does give you more slack when you change a pendent and some absolute **** has cute the cpcs and or left zero slack!

[@sk83rboy00]

Drill a pilot hole before cutting your downlight. Use a metal coat hanger and bend to the diameter of the holesaw. Shove that up the pilot hole and rotate the coat hanger 360 degrees. This will check if there are any joists in the way, less making good on a 6mm pilot than a 70mm hole 😁👍⚡️

[@esoxlucius5222]

What a great video! I'll now be using those switch units to overcome a cabling issue I have without having to resort to chiseling walls. I also use an inexpensive endoscope camera for peeping into ceiling and wall voids. It comes with a 45 degree angled mirror attachment which allows you to poke the camera straight in to a small inspection hole rather than cutting a large hole.

[@SimplyElectronicsOfficial]

I put 10 downlight in my living room cieling. All self-install. Routing the Cables under all the joists was a NIGHTMARE! They were solid joists with no holes at all. The only way was to drill holes along each joist to pass the cable underneath each joist. what a pain! but it looks amazing so was worth it.

[@williexc351]

Quick little tip from Australia regarding downlight marking, if you measure them on the floor and place temporary marks on bits of electrical tape you can then use a vertical plumb laser to transfer it to the ceiling. When looking through downlight holes set your smartphone to video mode on the camera with the flash on and you'll have a nice periscope.

[@IAAITKEN]

Great about Stud tool. They will do me for putting up kids TVs next month! DIYer first time watching. Watch a few other sparks too - interesting videos. You need a cheap £5 usb endoscope from Amazon. Used them for data cabling before, drill hole, stick it up and you can see everything in the void! Think I was £12 it had built in LEDs and connected to laptop or phone to view it.

[@markpotter8280]

well i have been an electrician for over 30 years and I learnt something new today. that split ring trick is great

[@ojshaw7671]

I’ve started using a thing I bought off the internet called a ‘wallbot’. It plugs in to your phone/tablet and scans the wall giving you an image of the stud or nog, telling you the material of what it finds. I can’t recommend it enough! Also for marking out downlights I measure out at each end of the wall, put a piece of white tape with a sharpie mark on it, then laser between the 2 pieces of tape, this stops the need to measure out at each light.

[@chrischaralambous286]

This is the first video I have watched by you Jordan. I am not a qualified electrician, but am planning on training to become one. I do have some electrical knowledge and have done some minor jobs. I found this video very interesting and would like to comment on how impressed I was with the approach in which you carried out this job. You respectfully covered the customers furniture/belongings and floor and methodically worked out how and where you were going to feed your cables though the ceiling with minimal damage. I have been in a similar situation where I needed to route some speaker cable through a ceiling and what I did to figure out where the beams were and the situation above the ceiling was to take one of the downlighters out and poke my mobile phone through the hole whilst in record mode and the flash on, whilst moving it around. I could then playback the footage. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to watching more of your videos. 👍👌

[@artisanelectrics]

Thanks for subscribing! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@serenetysteel7007]

Been using the Studbuddy for about two years, Fantastic bit of kit! Also i have to admit, I am very impressed with the split ring over the 10mm earth cable trick.. Bravo sir!

[@soup2420]

Endoscope camera taped onto the end of the rod will find whats lurking in the ceiling. Cameras are about £10 on ebay and can view on your smartphone.

[@stephencoulthard1718]

Can always fit a smoke alarm as joint and hole cover up were pendent was. Also quietic do a switch with built in receiver.

[@tommochelsea72]

Wow would never of thought of using that rod attachment to pull through like that. Great tip for the future there. I’m going to purchase the strong magnet too 👍🏻

[@johnjeffreys4024]

I would never have considered fitting downlights without access from the room above. Interesting approach, certainly gives me plenty to consider. Many thanks. John

[@artisanelectrics]

Thanks

[@johncorbett1130]

I take floor up above and leave them with no damage to the ceiling, don't like working blind and you never know what's above and you could end up with a lot of holes and ceiling filling/repainting.(for them) On the other hand if you explain and maybe give the customer exaggerated damage expected in advance it takes the pressure of you being perfect! Saves a lot of work on the knees, moving furniture lifting boards and carpet. Better to think of yourself first before the customer though they never have to that! Having a large number of spots in a room can be difficult to get all equal distance from each other and missing joists at the same time. Metal capping gives more protection to cable's running across the bottom of joists

[@giggles8966]

With that rod attachment instead of the split ring you could maybe get a small Bow shackle or karibiner that would save fighting the ring ...

[@petermcgreevy6386]

Wedding ring helped me out one day, I was desperate.....

[@yourrightimsooosorry884]

@@petermcgreevy6386 we're talking about electrical installations, we don't want to hear about your wedding day!

[@imazeu2]

Jordan, you can also use the hole cutter running in reverse, it will still cut but if there is wiring above then it wont damage it.

[@martindearman2218]

Just received my stud buddy and used for the first time on a job. I can’t believe how such a simple and inexpensive tool does such a great job in helping to locate the way joists run. Thanks for the recommendation Jordan.

[@stikndip]

I got a stud finder for fitting downlights in my ceilings but it seemed to be finding joists everywhere. I went into the roof space and found that, here in Australia, the ceiling fixers use pieces of gyprock to reinforce the joints between boards. The stud finder sees every one of these as a joist! I found the easiest way to get around this without spending all day in my 50 degree Celsius roof space was to cut up a wire coat hanger and bend it to 90 degrees (not too sharp a bend). If you're fitting lights which need a 70mm hole, the length after the bend should be 35mm. Drill a small hole where you want the light and stick the hanger through. Turn it through 180 degrees and if you don't hit anything, you're good to cut your hole. There may be a bit of snagging on insulation but you can pull out and put it back in further round your circle. Worked for me :o)

[@SSJIndy]

I get a wad of plastic grocrey bags, stuff them into another bag and use that as a plug when I cut out the ceiling light holes. Keeps blown insulation from falling down into the room!

[@SteveWilson-eu5zy]

We call them eco joists really nice to work with on a new build as it makes life so simple getting cables round a building

[@wyndavies5044]

You need to buy a ferret jordan, another life saver tool 😄

[@dannybarker3943]

I have them super rods and never thought of using the keyring attachment for that. I was never one for reading instructions anyway. Great video by the way.

[@stet6059]

Under BS7671 can you run cables within the plasterboard area? I'm not sure you can.

[@markcummings150]

I’ve used several small neodymium magnets to find the nails/screws in my ceiling, but one problem I ran into was that the spacing was almost the same as the truss spacing and also forming a square pattern. Only after finding a lot of nails I was eventually able to pick the straighter line and therefore the truss location.

[@tww5719]

Do you now if you have to reset the receivers if you lose the power for any reason, definitely hobnobs ideal for dunking .

[@artisanelectrics]

No they keep their memory if power goes off. Welcome to the hobnob club!

[@howfull]

Thank you for a great video.. Do you have a video for fitting a ceiling fan - that's my next project.

[@Danlondon1971]

Love watching the tricks of the trade and how much work goes into these jobs.

[@trixie6314]

Great video, am I missing something but how did you get from corner positions to pendant with joists in the way.

[@SamuelDavidJames87]

Sparky from Brisbane Australia, just bought two StudBuddys after watching this. After a personal test I will probably end up buying some for my father too!

[@artisanelectrics]

Awesome

[@RJSElectricalCheshire]

Nice job Jordan. I love the Quinetic stuff. I also now know what that keyring attachment is for 👍👍

[@artisanelectrics]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@JoaoRyanPlim]

Thank you for the video. I have a question for you: What do you do when there's no space over the stood and no space between the stud and the plasterboard? I would like to know the best way to avoid cutting the ceiling when it's not possible to pass the cable over the stud.

[@andrewyeo2353]

Fair play to you Jordan for not making the ceiling look like swizz cheese great tip with rod attachment the super rod gecko has been a good bit of kit too

[@philiptyson7197]

Very reassuring to see a great tradesman. All the best with your future work and the channel!

[@petewright2283]

iPhone 6 in video mode with the LED on works great it fits most downlight holes. It’s what I use

[@krishenshall8330]

Great video and I can relate to the pain of fishing through joists etc. One point I did notice was a lack of sufficient protection to the cable installed below the joist. Reg 522.6.201 is applicable here no?

[@chrisgraham2904]

I've never heard of, or seen 'oval conduit' in North America and I don't think that's an acceptable means of bypassing a ceiling joist, nor would it pass code. Does passing electrical wiring through a steel joist not require a plastic grommet installed in the joist hole? What is a 'maintenance free junction box'? All junction boxes must remain accessible for maintenance.

[@johncorbett1130]

Chris, pretty sure he didn't pass through a steel joist he was just going over small metal ceiling support struts and then going under a rolled steel joist.which is a bit dodgy.

[@stevethomas5849]

Your stud buddy has reminded me I got one and today I could of used it. Struggling to find joists to avoid in order to wire up smoke alarms. Dementia is definitely on its way.

[@philipshaw8180]

impressed with your work id say your in the top 5 for quality of work well done

[@artisanelectrics]

Wow, thanks!

[@robswingler]

I like the super rod attachment trick . Never would of thought to do that . You learn something new everyday👍

[@shovelhandz3592]

Can the quinetic system be 2 or 3 way if required ?

[@alexgiddings8171]

I have all the tools I need to do this job... feel watching the video I can do this one and add to my list of completed electrical projects.

[@Jacob-lw3ps]

The stud finder does it work on old buildings or just new builds .

[@williamtaylor8695]

Absolutely brilliant video. Very informative, I learnt a lot from it....Well done Jordan.

[@Jackettc]

Hi. Do you put hoods on all LED downlights, or use F Capped fire rated?

[@danthealien8360]

Great video mate. I'm not an electrician so excuse the basic question but why did you go under that wooden joist and not through it? I thought that was against the regs? Currently in the process of swapping an old pendant for led downlights and need a way of getting through/round the joist (I dont have access from above).

[@johncorbett1130]

I think that was chipboard he said where he put the conduit, but above the chipboard was a RSJ So he could cut through that!

[@KX36]

You like your niche tools, do you know you can get split ring pliers specifically for this type of split ring 25:00 ? might be easier on the cable you're putting the split ring around.

[@robinmyman]

Tricks of the trade...those difficult cable runs...brilliant! 👍

[@leeedwards3783]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Never seen switches like this before. Going to have a look at them.

[@drumcdoo9050]

Great video and the stud finder is such a useful tool along with the others. I fitted an Aurora colour changing kit which cost around £50 and includes 4 lamps and controller. Transforms bathroom, is very reliable, easy to fit and program. Works with controller or app and doesn't require broadband. It's a third of the price of Philips and a well established quality company. (Aurora AOne Connect AU-A1BTGUCWK Bluetooth 5W RGBCX GU10 LED Lamp Starter Kit)

[@TheChipmunk2008]

We always install the receivers above a downlight... even if the receiver is for pendants... if there's a downlight... we use it. Lets the customer access the receiver in future really easily :) Edit: I see you did that :)... and wow at the 'follow the 10mm earth' trick. Noted, and filed for future use :")

[@yourrightimsooosorry884]

I had a magic stud finder, now I'm waiting for someone to invent a magic stud finder finder!

[@yourrightimsooosorry884]

Found it! Never guess where it was! kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLaZapvjMyLmbM

[@artisanelectrics]

😂

[@fraserclemson7035]

Great video easy to follow Excellent thank you. Could I please ask for a link for the kinetic switches and receivers you use?

[@artisanelectrics]

www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QUR303.html?source=adwords&ad_position=&ad_id=&placement=&kw=&network=x&matchtype=&ad_type=pla&product_id=QUR303&product_partition_id=&campaign=shopping_Other_Products&version=finalurl_v3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6unxzvb2_QIVD7_tCh2PNACMEAQYASABEgLX0fD_BwE

[@fraserclemson7035]

@@artisanelectrics Many thanks for this.

[@rhodrijones8139]

What automatic cable stripper is your favourite? Going to order a set but there's so many different brands.

[@ichoo5048]

How did you overcome the fishing of cable to the new pendant position?

[@ScottAce-Macgyver]

Chocolate hobnobs are the greatest. 👍☕

[@artisanelectrics]

YES!

[@ScottAce-Macgyver]

@@artisanelectrics but which ones best? Dark or milk chocolate?

[@alanjrobertson]

Would your endoscopic camera not have been handy to see what was blocking you from getting across to the new pendant position?

[@Jordan-yc3fs]

Beeeautiful bit of fishing. I really wish manufacturers would give you a cpc connection saves idiots forgetting to join it through.

[@skyemac8]

Kellem Grips or mesh grips are very useful for big cable pulls too.

[@michaelperry3378]

Invest in an inspection camera , an absolute life saver. perfect for downlight installs. £59 squid from screwfix

[@mattsidebottom7603]

25 off amazon for a wifi one. Roger reviewed it on skill builder good bit of kit. Just done my down lights with it

[@andrewgibbs5096]

Could you not salvage a disk of plasterboard from one of the new down lights as a repair to the ceiling where you exposed the joist?

[@phoenixdundee]

What I like about your channel is the odd ball products you use sometimes. I got fed up of watching endless consumer unit upgrades. I install and commission lighting systems (Lutron, C4, KNX etc) and like seeing some of these products that may be of use some day!!

[@grafnemilligun9183]

Is there an alternative switch that takes live and neutral? The life time of those switches claims to be massive but as you had neutral at the switch wouldnt it be better take take a mains powered wireless switch?

[@sankaman11000]

Nice video. Have you the ref of the silicontool for prevent the dust for big hole? I can't find it. I use also same thing with simple big neodyme Magnet (40*40*10) work well. I use also for guide my chopsticks pull wire after fix one little magnet. Thx

[@UCCLdIk6R5ECGtaGm7oqO-TQ]

D.A.D.E. (Dade Dust and Debris Eliminator)

[@iantibbetts6871]

Nice video Jordan, putting some really interesting content out lately, keep up the good work

[@Cablesmith]

Great fishing 👌🏼 2nd best spark I’ve seen tbh 😉 always a top job Jordan

[@robinfisher4376]

Them cable tongues are brilliant that is a sparky’s go to here in Australia 👍🏻

[@berndeckenfels]

How long spare did you made those pendulum lamp wires. Looked pretty short.

[@am11744]

Franklin sensors are the way to go with stud finders . I dont think you can buy them off the shelf in the UK yet but worth waiting for . I'd be lost without my one now.

[@satsumo]

Quick question...I've done exactly as you've shown in this video, but when a qualified electrician saw my work he stated that I should not have cables going across and below the joists; instead, apparently, I need to drill holes in the joists (at least 50mm in) and feed cable through there. Is that strictly true and am I breaking some law?

[@Antonioelectrichandy]

What are the kind of cutters you used after the strippers???

[@krazylad84]

Very nice workmanship Artisan. I loved how you used oval conduit in the hole to protect the cable but I have one question. If you had to make more holes to run the cable if the joist wouldnt allow you to fish so how would you have filled those holes? Would you have made notch under the joist and put the cable in before filling the holes or just used oval conduit like you did but then how would you have made a drill to fill the round plasterboard with the oval conduit?

[@andyheaton4237]

I love the wireless switches! I was slightly baffled why you thought the joists would run from front to back, that would be very unusual.

[@andrewrayner9339]

Fair play nice and easy install, right tools for the job👍🏻love the smart switches.

[@billdoodson4232]

I have just bought the Mega Set on the basis of this video. Keep up the good work.

[@artisanelectrics]

Awesome! You won’t regret it!

[@JohnnyMotel99]

Put two in my bathroom, love them, smart and simple to fit. Plus IP67.

[@ndelockedout]

Biscuit of choice, all of them 😁👌

[@artisanelectrics]

Good choice! 🤣

[@lewis94uk]

Good video Jordan, you managed to fish those cables round with minimal damage, out of interest on these types of jobs do you let the customer know that there potentially might be many holes that need filling if it was to go pete tong and you needed lots of access holes?

[@boblewis5558]

@Lewis Miller Multiple holes is a PITA but easily resolved on a flat, painted ceiling BUT on a papered and ESPECIALLY if Artex or worse ... Anaglypta ... Painted Anaglypta, in a faded colour, no longer available! Add a fortnight to the job! And if it's a black lime mortar on lath ceiling that's 80 plus years old ... Walk away ... No, sorry, RUN!

[@ianpies2498]

Bob Lewis m

[@user-pf5xq3lq8i]

@@boblewis5558 If i have artex i want skimmed anyway, should i do holes and wiring first or the skimming first? Or no difference?

[@boblewis5558]

@@user-pf5xq3lq8i it depends! If the ceiling is lath & plaster, with Artex on top and then skimmed on top of that (??) it's probably MUCH BETTER albeit VERY messy, especially with black lime mortar (been there, done that!) to have a complete new plasterboard ceiling. It will also give you unfettered access to the joists etc. Then cut the holes and skim or if you have the grid reference to the holes, skim, then cut the holes. Otherwise, if Artex is on top (underneath) of a modern gypsum board ceiling it probably makes little difference. Personally whenever I've cut holes, I've always done it after the skim. One thing to note though is how big the holes are going to be. You need to be able to get your hand through, or at least have your wiring VERY close to the hole to reach it and pull it through - always a problem I've found with 55-60mm holes!

[@user-pf5xq3lq8i]

@@boblewis5558 Top man, cheers!

[@amarcy5369]

Hi sir Though something was missing when you were connecting the last fitting 😁 Bless you we’ve all done it . In fact I could right a book on it 🤪 . Never seen that attachment for rods before , What a great idea . I think the technology has improved a lot since theses wireless switches first came out . The first units were not that reliable , and you could say the same for LED lights . No things are definitely improving all the time. I must admit it’s all getting to technical for me now, so just as well I’m retired 🤣 . It’s definitely a young persons game now . I’d be more than happy to let you lose at my house any day . And I don’t say that to many. It’s so nice to see someone with a good grasp of the regulations and the ability to do the practical aspect as well . Trust me it doesn’t always manifest is self that way . Best wishes and kind regards Mike in the U.K.

[@marceloavalos2333]

Excelent work, amazing tools. Congratulations!

[@mjdavidson7185]

Nice job Jordan, some great fishing techniques going on there 🎣 oh and deffo a biscoff biscuit!

[@niallmacneill5525]

I personally love the pica pencils but they do stop pumping once they get wet or as you said change from crayon to lead. It’s just such a convenient thing to have on you with the built in sharper.

[@ianbrede16]

good video and liked the ring around the CPC and some great tips from you and others

[@AmyWhiles1]

I love watching these videos it gives me so many ideas on home renovations. I have two separate lights switched separately in my lounge. Hopefully the quinetic switches are an option to pair them onto the same switch

[@m101ist]

This dust sheets are go enough to use as my bed sheets. 😳

[@brianwood5220]

Lovely job Jorden.

[@phillipgwynne6580]

Interesting video. When you was first using the rods to check for obstructions, it made me think, do you have a snake camera? I've often thought that when watching various electricians content. Not sure if I've even seen yourself, or maybe Dave Savery use one? The ring, gives me ideas for a lot of different uses, car audio installs for example, great tip!

[@waynebond1939]

You are just a bloody nice man. I really admire you well done.

[@lewis94uk]

Cause hes a JW

[@brianjarvis272]

Jordan, If you used you camera attachment for your phone that you showed in the scout hut video, you could tape it to your rods and see what is in the way,

[@marcusshipley3935]

Good shout. Also I've been known to put my phone camera on video with the flash lit and raise it up into the downlight hole and rotate left and right to gain panorama of whats above the ceiling.

[@sreejhu]

Bro, you need something called Flir gen 3 camera. You can attached this to your phone and phone acts like a thermal camera. It's amazing to see how it works.just by looking through the phone you can see studs, air ducts, pipes, and fire blockers. Such a powerful device.

[@dlewis129]

More great content Jordan. Few nice tricks in there bud. Well done

[@robbiewhelan]

The ring thing and the 10mm earth is a great idea

[@christheother9088]

Wonder how it would work on textured plaster/lath with steam pipes and god knows what else against the back.

[@adejupe8308]

It amazes me how often I find t&e running between double-insulated fixtures with the CPC continuity not intact. Laziness? DIY?

[@TheChipmunk2008]

failure to understand that it's a CIRCUIT protective conductor, not just an equipment protective conductor. Indeed I believe that's part of the drive to rename it.

[@boblewis5558]

@@TheChipmunk2008 if there is ONLY plastic or NOTHING to connect to (typical on double insulated stuff) it's understandable why installers (pro or DIY) might just think "f*** it What can I do? I'll just cut it!" Manufacturers of electrical goods take zero blame but are 100% the problem ... Just fit an earth terminal as a CPC anchor point you bozos! Cost, what, 10p at manufacturing volume cost OR less!?? Bloody bean counters YET AGAIN!