Noob trying to fit a new light

[MaxP779]

Hey, im looking to replace a ceiling light but im not 100% on what exactly it is im doing...

Heres where the previous light was, fitting holes circled:
http://i.imgur.com/UCp7EYC.jpg

Previous light:
http://i.imgur.com/CmnKRR7.jpg

New light:
http://i.imgur.com/b2ybkRx.jpg

So im gonna have to drill some holes to fit this new light, my questions are:

- What am i drilling into, Is it just plasterboard up there or is there a wooden joist i need to find etc?

- Semi related to the previous question, does it matter where i fit this light? I plan to put it exactly over where the previous one was but im just curious.

- When drilling how do i know i wont hit a wire or pipe or something? The house was built with that kind of stuff in mind right?

My house was built in 1997 and is a 2 bed timber framed semi detached, in case that makes any difference.

 

[MaxP779]

Wow plasterboard is that thick? The previous lights screw went in about 2.5mm so plenty of room to avoid going all the way through.

Would this be a good drill for the task or any other task that comes up?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-PSB-500-Impact-Drill/dp/B003UES780/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1378126186&sr=8-3&keywords=hammer+drill#productDetails

 

[MaxP779]

Hmm those self drilling screws look pretty good however im gonna roll with the drill a hole + rawlplug option, they are gonna be easier to remove + fill if i change the light again etc.

Ive been doing some research into drills and these SDS drills seem to be held in high regard. Hows this combo in terms of bang for buck and longevity?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/DeWalt-D25013K-Combi-Hammer-Drill/dp/B003ASPLZI/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-196570-Piece-Drill-Steel/dp/B000NC0JH4/ref=pd_bxgy_diy_img_z

That could do small holes in plasterboard and every job up to light masonry work if required couldn't it?

 

[MaxP779]

You shouldn't use raw plugs on plasterboard as they will provide very little mechanical strength which won't be sufficient enough for larger / heavier light fixtures.
Ezee's are what you should be using on plasterboard as they provide excellent mechanical strength and even the heaviest light fitting isn't going to come crashing down on your head

Whats an Ezee?

 

[MaxP779]

There's no way on gods earth I would hang a ceiling light fitting from just plasterboard. I don't believe either that the existing one wasn't either in a patress or fixed to a joist. And LOL at an SDS for drilling plaster, you could punch a hole in it with a pencil

I know i just kinda hoped it would be a one size fits all solution Guess its too powerful though.