Can I use this luminaire in ceiling tiles?

[Coppersmith]

Take a look at this product. I'm thinking about using a product similar to this in a project where I'm installing lights in drop ceiling tiles.

Questions:

Can I install this in ceiling tiles without any other support like a bracket to the grid?

Does the driver box need to be mounted to something solid or can it just sit on top of the tile?

 

[Coppersmith]

This one is even closer to what I want to use. In the pictures they show the j-box just lying on top of drywall i.e. not fastened down.

 

[infinity]

Eaton sells a metal bracket for ceiling grid installations that also has two screws for fastening the box when using that style of fixture. Ther're cheap, only a few bucks each and they work very well. IMO something is required.

 

[480sparky]

I install the HD ones all the time. The cord is long enough to reach something the j-box can be fastened to... especially over a drop ceiling.

 

[Coppersmith]

Eaton sells a metal bracket for ceiling grid installations that also has two secrews for fastneing the box when using that style of fixture. There cheap, only a few bucks each and they work very well. IMO something is required.

I've been looking around the internet and I can't find the bracket of which you speak. Do you have a link to it?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I've been looking around the internet and I can't find the bracket of which you speak. Do you have a link to it?

HALO HL 6 in. Mounting Frame for Round and Square Canless Recessed Fixtures (6-Pack) HL6RSMF-6PK - The Home Depot

Customize a simple and elegant look to your home with the addition of this excellent Halo Round and Square Mounting Frame for Direct Mount Fixture.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Coppersmith]

That's not what I was expecting. I thought the bracket would hold the j-box only. Do I need a bracket for the lights? They are fairly lightweight.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

You cannot just rest the light on the tile.

 

[Fred B]

Take a look at this product. I'm thinking about using a product similar to this in a project where I'm installing lights in drop ceiling tiles.

Questions:

Can I install this in ceiling tiles without any other support like a bracket to the grid?

Does the driver box need to be mounted to something solid or can it just sit on top of the tile?

The question almost always come back to is it listed for the application you propose to use it for, if not, likely answer is no.

 

[infinity]

The bracket is made for ceiling grid applications so IMO if it weren't needed no one would make them. I've used them and they work great. Does the NEC permit only the tile to hold the fixture?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't think the tile is meant to hold the weight of anything.

Years Ago when I first started I ran a track across the ceiling grid and used toggles to hold the track. Toggles went thru the tiles... That is a no no

 

[480sparky]

I don't think the tile is meant to hold the weight of anything.........

Sure they are. Scrap wire, empty Mountain Dew bottles, cigarette butts......

 

[LarryFine]

Sure they are. Scrap wire, empty Mountain Dew bottles, cigarette butts......

..... phone, network, and coax cables .....

 

[480sparky]

..... phone, network, and coax cables .....

Lost tools.....

 

[electricman2]

Lost tools.....

Ask me how I know

 

[brantmacga]

Not looking in the code book right now, but I think anything installed in an ACT ceiling has to be supported by the grid or independent of the grid depending on the fixture.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kwired]

I'd install a support wire regardless of code, yes those are fairly light, but will make the tile sag over time.

 

[Fred B]

I'd install a support wire regardless of code, yes those are fairly light, but will make the tile sag over time.

I know on the commercial jobs I've done, code (not nec) required grid supported fixtures be additionally supported separate from the grid, siteing fire and or earthquake damage could cause fixtures to come crashing down onto emergency or other personnel. The code official did allow the use of existing grid anchors to tie off but with separate tie wire. That made sense to me from that perspective, a falling 2x4 light would at least hurt if hit by it, at worst cause electrical connections to break, short, shock or electrocution of personnel. I've seen the same with round can mount or box mounts that have tie off loop.
I've been into residential sites that a little smoke detector that had caused tile sag after a year or so.

 

[retirede]

I'd install a support wire regardless of code, yes those are fairly light, but will make the tile sag over time.

I helped my son in law finish his basement with a drop ceiling. He bought LED wafer lights off Amazon. I didn’t weigh them, but I’d guess the lights don’t weigh any more than the 6” round piece of the tile we cut out to install them.

If we see sag, I’ll report back. If I’m still alive then

 

[kwired]

I helped my son in law finish his basement with a drop ceiling. He bought LED wafer lights off Amazon. I didn’t weigh them, but I’d guess the lights don’t weigh any more than the 6” round piece of the tile we cut out to install them.

If we see sag, I’ll report back. If I’m still alive then

I'd guess some tiles will sag easier than others, most you typically find in dwellings will likely sag some within a year. May not be too noticeable but as Fred B mentioned won't even take the weight of a smoke detector without sagging. Lights in OP probably around same weight, probably more if the driver ends up supported by the tile.