Hanging track lighting on a drop ceiling

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kingsleaze

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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.
 
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.
 
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...
 
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stickboy1375 said:
Would you hang trak on sheetrock?
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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.
 
iwire said:
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.
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Good point...
 
iwire said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
mdshunk said:
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.
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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.
 
iwire said:
For what it worth I just learned recently we should not be toggle bolting anything to Sheetrock on a ceiling.
Click to expand...

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.
 
celtic said:
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.
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probably not too good...:smile:
 
celtic said:
How does that factor into those hooks people (EC's as well) use to "re-center" hanging/swag fixtures over a table?.
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I don't know.

I was thinking more of all the fluorescent fixtures I have toggled to the ceiling over the years. :confused:
 
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...
 
iwire said:
I was thinking more of all the fluorescent fixtures I have toggled to the ceiling over the years. :confused:
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LOL I had't even considered them.


How about all the remodel cans?
662400600732md.jpg
 
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