hanging lights on 6-32s

[commonslob]

I've got a situation on a 1st floor where because of the double layer ceiling on top of some track built off the joists for noise reduction it was more practical to go with 4 squares and deep plaster rings for certain light locations. Well the p rings came in as single gang w/6-32 screw holes. I'm of the opinion that these are no good for hanging lights and we should reorder round p rings, but am having a problem coming up with the article for that. 314.27(a) only says the box shall be designed so a luminaire can be attached. that's a bit vague. I thought sure you needed 8-32s for supporting fixtures with the box. Can someone point me in the right direction here?

 

[quogueelectric]

just pop

just pop

some toggle bolts through??

 

[acrwc10]

How much do the fixtures weigh ? It may not be an issue.
If you are set on 8/32s you could tap then out from 6/32 with a box tap it takes very little time.

 

[commonslob]

fixtures aren't on site yet, but I doubt they're going to weigh very much. I've just got it stuck in my head that you needed 8-32 for fixtures but can't find it in the code. I could be wrong, its happened before.

 

[paul]

314.27 A & B covers it.

 

[celtic]

How much do the fixtures weigh ? It may not be an issue.
If you are set on 8/32s you could tap then out from 6/32 with a box tap it takes very little time.

Any 110.3(B) concerns there?

 

[electricmanscott]

Any 110.3(B) concerns there?

Not to me and my tap tool. :wink:

I'd say this is a good solution, tap it out use 8/32 s be done with it.

 

[JES2727]

314.27 A & B covers it.

Yes it does, but I'm still wondering if the installation is compliant. Is a single gang plaster ring "designed for the purpose" of supporting luminaires? Or is it designed for wiring devices only? Doesn't the exception to 314.27 (A) imply that plaster rings and #6 screws are not acceptable for ceiling mounted fixtures?

 

[captaincrab55]

Yes it does, but I'm still wondering if the installation is compliant. Is a single gang plaster ring "designed for the purpose" of supporting luminaires? Or is it designed for wiring devices only? Doesn't the exception to 314.27 (A) imply that plaster rings and #6 screws are not acceptable for ceiling mounted fixtures?

Never had a problem with it passing inspection. In fact my 4th year Instructor / day time Inspector actually taught it as a "fix"....

 

[tkb]

I would tap it out to 8-32.
A plaster ring with a round opening has 8-32 holes, but is the same gauge steel as the single gang plaser ring.
So tapping out a 6-32 to an 8-32 should make no difference to the strength of the support.

 

[Chamuit]

Check the brackets.

Check the brackets.

Don't forget that many brackets that fixtures are mounted to have only 6/32 mounting posts from said bracket to the fixture. You could assUme that 6/32s should be okay.

Having said that, I might change my mind as each fixture (condition) presents itself.

 

[220/221]

Just hang it.

@ 235# I could hang from a couple 6/32's as well as 8/32's.

Try it some time. Use a claw hammer and try to yank out a SINGLE 6/32 by pulling straight down.

 

[electricmanscott]

Don't forget that many brackets that fixtures are mounted to have only 6/32 mounting posts from said bracket to the fixture.

I don't think this is true.

 

[Chamuit]

But I do.

But I do.

I don't think this is true.

Yeah, the universal brackets that have a flat back "bar" with a 6/32 pivot screw and a 6/32 set screw and a flat front "bar" with two 2 x 6/32 facing out to which the fixtures trim nuts secure the fixture against the wall or ceiling.

 

[POWER_PIG]

Hang it

Hang it

I agree with 220/221
Just hang it.
Most times your better judgement will be NEC complaint