I-Beam mounting of multi-outlet strips

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madmanB

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Retrofit in a theater, an I-beam truss is to have several multi-outlet strips (metallic, supplied by MC) installed on the top of the bottom of the 'I' facing upward (i.e. physically supported), so they're hidden from view. Having trouble with mounting requirements in NEC. 380 is the dedicated Article, but does not list installation. 386 seems related, but only lists mounting interval per mfg instructions.
The building's owner would prefer NOT to drill into the beams. A suggestion was made to mount the outlet strips utilizing high-intensity magnet plates. We all just stared and pondered. Though the neodymium magnets would provide 200+lb (not a typo) mounting force. Would this be an acceptable form of installation? Other non-invasive suggestions?
 
madmanB said:
Other non-invasive suggestions?
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum! :) We need another madman around here. ;)


I don't know if a magnet would be an acceptable mounting means. You'd have to ask whomever has to do the accepting. It sounds like a winner.

How about beam clamps? I'd have to see the back of the strips to suggest a mounting method, but you'd have to do the same with magnets.
 
Thanks for the input....much appreciated.
Epoxy/mastic was suggested, but maintenance/reconfiguration would be compromised. Beam clamps may work; however, the outlet strips are square profile, flat back; they have no keyhole or flanges to clamp. The I-beam flange is fairly deep (~4" from ctr to edge). It's desired to position in the fillet. Here's the orientation for clarity:

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?????​
hopefully, the diagram comes thru OK.

___________________________________
madmanB
Nuke System Engineer
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
Not sure i would trust a magnet.
Click to expand...

They use magnets to pick up cars....

If he has one that'll hold 200 pounds, that'd work for me. As soon as the box gets anywhere near the magnet it's gonna stick. Hard. Hopefully you get the box in the right spot the first time or you'll need a sledge to adjust it.:D

It'd probably help hold the cordend in the recep too.:D
 
Here is another suggestion, depending on how quickly this needs to be done and the cost factor as well. It is something that we do all the time at the facility that I work at.

What about welding a steel plate to the I-beam that would be large enough to mount the outlet strips to? That way, you could drill/tap into the plate that was welded onto the beam, but the structural integrity of the beam itself would not be compromised.

I know it would be a PITA, but it's just a thought.
 
Two beam clamps fastened to either a piece of strut or 1/8" flat stock the same length as strip.
Zip tie the strip to the strut or flat stock in between the receptacles.

I don't understand the fear of drilling the beam for a few #8 screws.:roll:
 
are these the theatrical style outlet strips, with twistlock or stage pin receptacles? Do they want it tucked into the beam, and they will be mounting fixtures to the bottom of the beam with beam clamps? (if so, where will they attach safety cable?) There is various hardware to mount these, weld a tab perpendicular to the web of the beam for the strip to sit on, and bolt it down using a saddle clamp for the strip. See http://www.etcconnect.com/docs/docs_downloads/datashts/Connector_Strips_vC.pdf for some of the strips and mounting hardware. These strips show the receptacle on a pigtail, but they also come with the receptacle mounted on the strip.
 
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