Accessible
- Thread starter zachy
- Start date
- Status
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Accessible
I really don't get what you are asking?
Why do you need access to a cable that is above the ceiling? Are you suggesting that you want to use a light fixture as an access panel?
I really don't get what you are asking?
Why do you need access to a cable that is above the ceiling? Are you suggesting that you want to use a light fixture as an access panel?
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Accessible
You sure aren't being liberal with the details, I still don't get it. Sorry?
You sure aren't being liberal with the details, I still don't get it. Sorry?
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Occupation
- Massachusetts Master Electrician, one man show.
Re: Accessible
Zachy I don't mean to be rude, I really don't, but what the hell are you talking about?
Zachy I don't mean to be rude, I really don't, but what the hell are you talking about?
Re: Accessible
I would think removing a flush mounted fixture would be OK for cables that are required to be accessible. That would NOT be OK for anything required to be "readily accessible". See the definitions in article 100 of the NEC.
Also, at one point you mention a surface mounted fixture. I don't think that would allow access to the ceiling space above.
I think we could be more helpful if you could tell us what code or codes require these wires to be accessible. Or are the job specs requiring the wires to be accessible?
Steve
I would think removing a flush mounted fixture would be OK for cables that are required to be accessible. That would NOT be OK for anything required to be "readily accessible". See the definitions in article 100 of the NEC.
Also, at one point you mention a surface mounted fixture. I don't think that would allow access to the ceiling space above.
I think we could be more helpful if you could tell us what code or codes require these wires to be accessible. Or are the job specs requiring the wires to be accessible?
Steve
Re: Accessible
The job specs require access. What happened when this job was bid in the beginning the fixture Speced as a "Grid type" fixture. We were going to use this for an access point per Artical 100 Accessible (as applied to wiring methods) For our required Specs. During the change process for this job the fixture was changed to a surface mount (no Flange). I'm being denided this change order because they are saying that you can not use a 1X4 fixture for access.
The job specs require access. What happened when this job was bid in the beginning the fixture Speced as a "Grid type" fixture. We were going to use this for an access point per Artical 100 Accessible (as applied to wiring methods) For our required Specs. During the change process for this job the fixture was changed to a surface mount (no Flange). I'm being denided this change order because they are saying that you can not use a 1X4 fixture for access.
chicar
Senior Member
- Location
- Lancaster,Pa
Re: Accessible
I have worked on commercial jobs where the bathroom cieling was drywall and the 2x4 fixtures served as access panels for water valves and other things above the cielings. If they changed things on you have them cut access panels for you.
I have worked on commercial jobs where the bathroom cieling was drywall and the 2x4 fixtures served as access panels for water valves and other things above the cielings. If they changed things on you have them cut access panels for you.
Re: Accessible
Zachy,
Tell me if I'm wrong, but I'm reading that you "had" access to your cables thru a 1'x 4' flanged fixture flush mounted in a sheetrock ceiling. Now the 1'x 4' fixture is surface mounted, so you lost your access. Is this correct?
I don't see where the definition of 'accessible' prohibits the removal of a light fixture to access your cables. In the same breath, I don't think it's a good idea to remove light fixtures, sheetrock or lay-in, to access anything (wires should have been in conduit across sheetrock ceiling).
I agree with Steve that you may do this, simply because I don't know where it says you can't. Maybe someone will come on here and state a rule where this is not allowed (I'm interested also). Until then, you need a change order.
Brent
Zachy,
Tell me if I'm wrong, but I'm reading that you "had" access to your cables thru a 1'x 4' flanged fixture flush mounted in a sheetrock ceiling. Now the 1'x 4' fixture is surface mounted, so you lost your access. Is this correct?
I don't see where the definition of 'accessible' prohibits the removal of a light fixture to access your cables. In the same breath, I don't think it's a good idea to remove light fixtures, sheetrock or lay-in, to access anything (wires should have been in conduit across sheetrock ceiling).
I agree with Steve that you may do this, simply because I don't know where it says you can't. Maybe someone will come on here and state a rule where this is not allowed (I'm interested also). Until then, you need a change order.
Brent
Re: Accessible
Zachy,
Tell me if I'm wrong, but I'm reading that you "had" access to your cables thru a 1'x 4' flanged fixture flush mounted in a sheetrock ceiling. Now the 1'x 4' fixture is surface mounted, so you lost your access. Is this correct?
I don't see where the definition of 'accessible' prohibits the removal of a light fixture to access your cables. In the same breath, I don't think it's a good idea to remove light fixtures, sheetrock or lay-in, to access anything (wires should have been in conduit across sheetrock ceiling).
I agree with Steve that you may do this, simply because I don't know where it says you can't. Maybe someone will come on here and state a rule where this is not allowed (I'm interested also). Until then, you need a change order. Or like Chicar said, have 'them' install access panels.
Brent [/QB][/QUOTE]
Zachy,
Tell me if I'm wrong, but I'm reading that you "had" access to your cables thru a 1'x 4' flanged fixture flush mounted in a sheetrock ceiling. Now the 1'x 4' fixture is surface mounted, so you lost your access. Is this correct?
I don't see where the definition of 'accessible' prohibits the removal of a light fixture to access your cables. In the same breath, I don't think it's a good idea to remove light fixtures, sheetrock or lay-in, to access anything (wires should have been in conduit across sheetrock ceiling).
I agree with Steve that you may do this, simply because I don't know where it says you can't. Maybe someone will come on here and state a rule where this is not allowed (I'm interested also). Until then, you need a change order. Or like Chicar said, have 'them' install access panels.
Brent [/QB][/QUOTE]
ken44
Senior Member
- Location
- Austin, TX
Re: Accessible
Zach
Yes, this is okay as I have done it many times for various trades over the years. It would be better if access panels were installed but if none are available and you cant allow for it as part of your bid, then removing the fixture is the next best thing to do.
ken
Zach
Yes, this is okay as I have done it many times for various trades over the years. It would be better if access panels were installed but if none are available and you cant allow for it as part of your bid, then removing the fixture is the next best thing to do.
ken
Re: Accessible
I think there may be some confusion in terms here. A "grid type" fixture would go in a lay-in ceiling grid. A "flush mount" fixture would have a flange, and it would mount in a 1' x 4' hole in the sheetrock ceiling. Either of the above would allow access to wires.
On the other hand, a "surface mount" fixture would mount on the bottom of the sheet rock. The only hole in the sheetrock would probably be a 4" hole with a 4" jbox mounted in it. I don't see how this would allow access to wires above the ceiling.
I think there may be some confusion in terms here. A "grid type" fixture would go in a lay-in ceiling grid. A "flush mount" fixture would have a flange, and it would mount in a 1' x 4' hole in the sheetrock ceiling. Either of the above would allow access to wires.
On the other hand, a "surface mount" fixture would mount on the bottom of the sheet rock. The only hole in the sheetrock would probably be a 4" hole with a 4" jbox mounted in it. I don't see how this would allow access to wires above the ceiling.
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