drop ceiling pendant outlet

[Krusscher]

I am trying to come up with a good way to drop a pendant outlet above a work station in a room with drop ceiling. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[LarryFine]

I use a suspended-ceiling fan support with a 4" sq. box, a 3/4" to 1" single-gang plaster ring, a stainless blank plate with a 7/8" hole punched or hole-sawed, and a Kellums-type cable grip.

 

[augie47]

and, at the end of your drop use a cord body or pendant type receptacle (no K.O,.s)

 

[infinity]

I like Larry's idea. Is there any requirement for the strength of the box?

 

[Little Bill]

I like Larry's idea. Is there any requirement for the strength of the box?

Wouldn't the box at the top also need to have a threaded hub and not depend on a locknut?

 

[hbiss]

Wouldn't the box at the top also need to have a threaded hub and not depend on a locknut?

Would be a good idea to support it from the structure above also.

-Hal

 

[infinity]

Wouldn't the box at the top also need to have a threaded hub and not depend on a locknut?

Code section?

 

[Little Bill]

Code section?

That was a question.

 

[MTW]

Wouldn't the box at the top also need to have a threaded hub and not depend on a locknut?

I always used bus drop hardware attached to the structure for support. Supply box mounted separately.

Examples
Sky-ty catalog, old link no longer active, can be obtained at local wholesalers or online.

 

[Krusscher]

I use a suspended-ceiling fan support with a 4" sq. box, a 3/4" to 1" single-gang plaster ring, a stainless blank plate with a 7/8" hole punched or hole-sawed, and a Kellums-type cable grip.

Would this be ok for a suspended pendant. My worry would be the screws holding the cover. It might look bad but maybe use a stamped blank cover?

 

[Krusscher]

I always used bus drop hardware attached to the structure for support. Supply box mounted separately.

Examples
Sky-ty catalog, old link no longer active, can be obtained at local wholesalers or online.

so attach a strain relief to the ceiling grid? I suppose that would be fine if I put it right below a tie supporting the grid.

 

[MTW]

so attach a strain relief to the ceiling grid? I suppose that would be fine if I put it right below a tie supporting the grid.

I would put a chain or drop wire through the ceiling tile to support the hanger, and leave the grid as is. You cannot pass the cable through the grid ceiling, but hardware is fine, a threaded rod with an eye bolt could work as well. The spring on the hanger is important, if the drop gets pulled during use. along with a short loop of cable to allow it to move slightly with the spring.
I always leave a larger loop of cable for the drop to be relocated a short amount if their needs change later. You won't get any complaints if it's tied to the structure instead of the ceiling grid,

 

[LarryFine]

Would be a good idea to support it from the structure above also.

 

[Jaybone812]

Code section?

314.23(h)(1) requires the cord or cable to be supported by approved means to protect the conductors against strain and if we choose to use a box equipped with a hub as a way to provide the proper box support the connection to the box must be with a cord attachment listed for use with a hub . Although a box with a hub is not “required” Idk how you’d provide the proper box support without using the hub otherwise you’d be relying on the locknut, and I’m not aware of a rule that requires the box in the ceiling to be equipped with a hub the cord just needs a form of strain relief

 

[Krusscher]

314.23(h)(1) requires the cord or cable to be supported by approved means to protect the conductors against strain and if we choose to use a box equipped with a hub as a way to provide the proper box support the connection to the box must be with a cord attachment listed for use with a hub . Although a box with a hub is not “required” Idk how you’d provide the proper box support without using the hub otherwise you’d be relying on the locknut, and I’m not aware of a rule that requires the box in the ceiling to be equipped with a hub the cord just needs a form of strain relief

Could probably use something like this and consider it a hub? or would that not be considered "a box with a hub"?

 

[Jaybone812]

View attachment 2575795Could probably use something like this and consider it a hub? or would that not be considered "a box with a hub"?

For the ceiling or the actual drop ?? For the drop idk how you’d install receptacle if this was used

 

[Jaybone812]

View attachment 2575795Could probably use something like this and consider it a hub? or would that not be considered "a box with a hub"?

This is a box equipped with a hub and designed for this use

 

[Jaybone812]

View attachment 2575795Could probably use something like this and consider it a hub? or would that not be considered "a box with a hub"?

Wood head boxes are popular as well