fixture support within lay-in ceiling tiles

[markjkubicki]

there is so much on this topic online that my head spins; what i can't find online is a simple yes/no (if one even exists)

If I install a simple downlight in the lay-in tile of a suspended ceiling, does it need to be 'supported from structure' ?
What i've always been told is 'yes', ether by fastening to the grid or from building structure. BUT... I cannot find the code that states this to be true (only a lot of maybe, and depends, and varies... often with siesmic concerns and/or a volley between the NEC and NFPA)

and if true, and i presume so, how does this apply to the current LED based range of fixtures? Not implying that the LED technology has anything to do with it, but that the fixtures are often class II, often without a housing or mounting pan

as an example: https://www.inter-lux.com/products/quantum/

 

[gadfly56]

there is so much on this topic online that my head spins; what i can't find online is a simple yes/no (if one even exists)

If I install a simple downlight in the lay-in tile of a suspended ceiling, does it need to be 'supported from structure' ?
What i've always been told is 'yes', ether by fastening to the grid or from building structure. BUT... I cannot find the code that states this to be true (only a lot of maybe, and depends, and varies... often with siesmic concerns and/or a volley between the NEC and NFPA)

and if true, and i presume so, how does this apply to the current LED based range of fixtures? Not implying that the LED technology has anything to do with it, but that the fixtures are often class II, often without a housing or mounting pan

as an example: https://www.inter-lux.com/products/quantum/

Look at 300.11. IFF the grid system is listed to support the fixture, you can do so. The trick is that usually you can never get an answer from the system vendor on that question, so you have to provide independant support wires.

 

[augie47]

Allow me to muddy your head a bit more. I read 300.11 to apply to the wiring methods and not the fixture. IMO, 410.36 would apply to the fixture but that's a NEC requirement. Our Building inspectors take siesmic requirments into consideration from the Building Code and require support to the structure.

 

[Choice_Gorilla]

I don’t know if it’s local code or not, but everything over 3 pounds (I think) in a suspended ceiling gets jack chain or tie wire. A recessed can housing or a 2x fixture will have chain or wire brought from each corner to a single point and then connected from there to structure.

 

[jeffnelson411]

Seismic wires