'cut in' or old-work type lighting boxes & 314.27

[tortuga]

Greetings all just installed a new light fixture, that weighs less than 6 LBS on a cut-in box, something I have done for years without thinking much of it.
It was inspected and passed. The inspector is very aware I use these cut-in lighting boxes, as years ago he recommended a device that catches the dust from the 3-5/8 hole saw I use to cut them in, so there is no ambiguity there.



However scanning thru article 314 I see 314.27(A)(2) second sentence states 'boxes shall be required to support a luminaire weighing a minimum of 50LBs' ...

Then (D) goes on to say:

(D) Utilization Equipment. Boxes used for the support of utilization equipment other than ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans
shall meet the requirements of 314.27(A) for the support of a luminaire that is the same size and weight.

Exception: Utilization equipment weighing not more than
3 kg (6 lb) shall be permitted to be supported on other boxes
or plaster rings that are secured to other boxes, provided the
equipment or its supporting yoke is secured to the box with no
fewer than two No. 6 or larger screws.

Since all luminaires are 'Utilization Equipment' does my cut-in box meet code?
Or if I am installing any lighting box in a ceiling must it be rated 50LBS no matter what?

Looking at the specs for these they are billed as 'wall boxes'

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Thanks in advance

 

[electrofelon]

IIRC pretty much all of those round old work boxes are marked/listed/instructioned as wall only for fixtures.

 

[infinity]

There are ceiling cut in boxes listed for fixture support.

 

[tortuga]

IIRC pretty much all of those round old work boxes are marked/listed/instructioned as wall only for fixtures.

So you guys never use them in a ceiling?

There are ceiling cut in boxes listed for fixture support.

Perhaps a 'smart' box but then you got to be right on a stud.
I have not seen any of these style listed that way

 

[electrofelon]

So you guys never use them in a ceiling?

I do sometimes, where I am certain it will be a super lightweight fixture. But generally I will either use a fan remodel box, use a smart box, or screw 2xs to the subfloor or side of joist and built it out/down as necessary.

 

[infinity]

I see many of these cut-in boxes listed for ceiling use for fixtures up to 6 pounds.

 

[tortuga]

I see many of these cut-in boxes listed for ceiling use for fixtures up to 6 pounds.

Ahh ha OK
I just think the code wording is strange.
314.27(A)(2) seems to prohibit the use of any ceiling box rated less than 50 lbs regardless of fixture weight.
, then 314.27(D) allows them for equipment up to 6lbs via the exception.
And since all luminaires are equipment there you go, unless we have a 100.3(B) issue.