Hanging track lighting on a drop ceiling

[kingsleaze]

I've got an office supervisor in the plant I work in wanting to mount a track lighting fixture on a drop ceiling. I don't think it's such a great idea, but I didn't have references available to me to explain why. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[iwire]

It's done all the time.

I suggest you take a look at a Caddy or B-Line catalog and find hangers made for this.

 

[stickboy1375]

No different than sheetrock, use toggle bolts and call it a day...

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Caddy makes clamps specifically for mounting fixtures to the grid.

 

[iwire]

No different than sheetrock, use toggle bolts and call it a day...

I will pass on supporting from the tile.

I strongly suggest using these, and installing a support wire onto them.

Independent Support Clips

 

[Dennis Alwon]

No different than sheetrock, use toggle bolts and call it a day...

Would you really hang a track light on a ceiling tile???

 

[charlie b]

It's covered starting in 410.100 (2005 NEC). I didn't see anything that would prohibit what you have described. I also don't think it's a good idea, but I can't say that it's a violation.

You might take a look at 410.101(D). I'm not sure if you can support the track in the required by that article.

 

[stickboy1375]

Would you hang trak on sheetrock? Before this one gets crazy lets remember there are different materials for drop ceilings... so every situation gets handled differently... same goes for the trak and types of fixtures...

 

[iwire]

Would you hang trak on sheetrock?

Most ceiling tiles are a far cry in strength from sheet rock screwed on 16" centers.

For what it worth I just learned recently we should not be toggle bolting anything to Sheetrock on a ceiling. Don posted some info from the sheet rock makers saying it is not designed for support.

 

[stickboy1375]

Most ceiling tiles are a far cry in strength from sheet rock screwed on 16" centers.

For what it worth I just learned recently we should not be toggle bolting anything to Sheetrock on a ceiling. Don posted some info from the sheet rock makers saying it is not designed for support.

Good point...

 

[JohnJ0906]

Bob, could you post a link for that? Considering the number of times I have toggle bolted to a ceiling, I am kind of curious.

 

[mdshunk]

For what it worth I just learned recently we should not be toggle bolting anything to Sheetrock on a ceiling. Don posted some info from the sheet rock makers saying it is not designed for support.

Also, a grid system must be specifically rated for fixture support to use the Caddy and BLine hardware on the track. If the grid is not so rated, you're stuck with hanging 8-32 threaded rod from the structure above to poke through the tile a bit to hang the track.

 

[iwire]

Honestly I have seen a lot of track hung directly from the tiles but I really think it can be done better.

About a year ago I did a Tommy Hilfiger store and used about 400 or 500 IDS clips.

I will admit I added a toggle when the track was bowing down past the last IDS clip.

 

[iwire]

Also, a grid system must be specifically rated for fixture support to use the Caddy and BLine hardware on the track. If the grid is not so rated, you're stuck with hanging 8-32 threaded rod from the structure above to poke through the tile a bit to hang the track.

I do not believe that to be true as long as you use the IDS style clips.

We use #12 steel tie wire for the support to the structure.


Now if you used these type "Twist On" Fixture Support I believe you would need other support.

 

[celtic]

For what it worth I just learned recently we should not be toggle bolting anything to Sheetrock on a ceiling.

How does that factor into those hooks people (EC's as well) use to "re-center" hanging/swag fixtures over a table?

Not that I am disagreeing..but there are other possibilities besides the traks.

 

[stickboy1375]

How does that factor into those hooks people (EC's as well) use to "re-center" hanging/swag fixtures over a table?

Not that I am disagreeing..but there are other possibilities besides the traks.

probably not too good...:smile:

 

[iwire]

How does that factor into those hooks people (EC's as well) use to "re-center" hanging/swag fixtures over a table?.

I don't know.

I was thinking more of all the fluorescent fixtures I have toggled to the ceiling over the years.

 

[JohnJ0906]

I don't know.

I was thinking more of all the fluorescent fixtures I have toggled to the ceiling over the years.

Me too. Quite a few.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Regardless of wether or not it is legal to hang a track from a toggle bolt, I think it is a bad idea. Tile ceilings are often hard enough to get into or to get where you want to be. Suppose there is a JB in the ceiling over the tile where your toggle bolt was installed. Now you can't take the tile out. Again Bad idea...

 

[celtic]

I was thinking more of all the fluorescent fixtures I have toggled to the ceiling over the years.

LOL I had't even considered them.


How about all the remodel cans?