earshavewalls
Senior Member
This is something that just keeps coming up and I would like some outside input on how you all see this issue.
Most flourescent lay-in type fixtures are available in versions listed for installation in plenum (environmental air) spaces. This listing is noted on the product descriptions in the catalogs as well as in the installation information. The problem I am having is explaining why the manufacturers are not providing recessed flourescent downlighting (cans) with this listing. I cannot speak for the manufacturers on this and I hope that some representatives get onto this thread.
I have researched the U.L. White Book with the following results:
LUMINAIRES AND FITTINGS (HYXT)
USE
This category covers complete luminaires (lighting fixtures) intended for general and special purpose illumination and component fittings and retrofits intended for field assembly to or into complete units.
SPECIAL USE LUMINAIRES
Air Handling Luminaires ? Luminaires suitable for air handling use are marked ??SUITABLE FOR AIR HANDLING USE.?? For information on the use of air handling luminaires in fire-rated ceiling constructions, reference should be made to the design information section under Fire Resistance Ratings (BXUV). For applicable requirements covering air handling installations, reference should be made to NFPA 90A, ??Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.??
Some recessed air handling luminaires are restricted to certain applications because of certain features and are marked as follows: ??VENTILATING OR COOLING AIR ONLY,?? ??ONLY FOR USE IN CEILING PLENUM OF NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION OR WITH AIR HANDLING PARTS THAT COVER VENT OPENINGS?? or ??INSTALL ONLY IN ENVIRONMENTAL AIR HANDLING SPACES WHERE A COMPLETE METAL ENCLOSED WIRING SYSTEM IS PROVIDED.??
FIRE RESISTANCE RATINGS -
ANSI/UL 263 (BXUV)
Design Information Section
13. Fluorescent Recessed Luminaires
Luminaires may be installed individually or end to end (in rows). Side-by-side installation has not been investigated. The spacing of luminaires specified in the designs refers to the maximum aggregate area of the luminaires to be used in each 100 sq ft of ceiling.
Unless specified differently, the luminaires are of the fluorescent lamp type with steel housing and hardware. Where air-handling type luminaires were tested, the design may describe the luminaire as air handling or as provided with slots in the housing. However, since no air movement was employed during the test, the ratings require that air movement be effectively stopped at the start of a fire. Air-handling luminaire may be used in any design which specifies luminaires, provided it is not necessary to alter the enclosure surrounding the luminaire and that provisions are made for effectively stopping the movement of air at the start of a fire. In ceilings employing an exposed grid suspension system, when hanger wire is required at midpoint of the cross tee on each side of luminaires, the wire shall be installed with approx 1/8 in. of slack such that it will not be pulling on the cross tee at room temperature conditions.
14. Enclosures for Fluorescent Recessed Luminaires
Enclosures for luminaires shall be spaced away from the top of luminaire housing as shown on individual designs. When luminaires are installed end to end, one end piece of the protection material that is part of the enclosure shall be placed on top of the adjoining top protection pieces to cover the gap at the junction of the luminaires. Spacers placed on top of the luminaire housing to provide clearance for the protection material shall not be located directly over or adjacent to luminaire ballasts.
Installation is intended to be in conformance with ANSI/NFPA 70, ??National Electrical Code.?? For lay-in panel ceilings, as an alternate to the spacers cut from ceiling material or mineral wool batts, pieces of ceiling suspension system tees may be used to maintain the clearance between the protection material and the top of the luminaire.
Now, with this information in mind, why is it like pulling teeth to get a properly listed fixture? Am I misreading the requirement for equipment installed in environmental air spaces? Does the required listing ONLY apply to troffers and not to other types of luminaires?
Let me know what you think.
Most flourescent lay-in type fixtures are available in versions listed for installation in plenum (environmental air) spaces. This listing is noted on the product descriptions in the catalogs as well as in the installation information. The problem I am having is explaining why the manufacturers are not providing recessed flourescent downlighting (cans) with this listing. I cannot speak for the manufacturers on this and I hope that some representatives get onto this thread.
I have researched the U.L. White Book with the following results:
LUMINAIRES AND FITTINGS (HYXT)
USE
This category covers complete luminaires (lighting fixtures) intended for general and special purpose illumination and component fittings and retrofits intended for field assembly to or into complete units.
SPECIAL USE LUMINAIRES
Air Handling Luminaires ? Luminaires suitable for air handling use are marked ??SUITABLE FOR AIR HANDLING USE.?? For information on the use of air handling luminaires in fire-rated ceiling constructions, reference should be made to the design information section under Fire Resistance Ratings (BXUV). For applicable requirements covering air handling installations, reference should be made to NFPA 90A, ??Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.??
Some recessed air handling luminaires are restricted to certain applications because of certain features and are marked as follows: ??VENTILATING OR COOLING AIR ONLY,?? ??ONLY FOR USE IN CEILING PLENUM OF NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION OR WITH AIR HANDLING PARTS THAT COVER VENT OPENINGS?? or ??INSTALL ONLY IN ENVIRONMENTAL AIR HANDLING SPACES WHERE A COMPLETE METAL ENCLOSED WIRING SYSTEM IS PROVIDED.??
FIRE RESISTANCE RATINGS -
ANSI/UL 263 (BXUV)
Design Information Section
13. Fluorescent Recessed Luminaires
Luminaires may be installed individually or end to end (in rows). Side-by-side installation has not been investigated. The spacing of luminaires specified in the designs refers to the maximum aggregate area of the luminaires to be used in each 100 sq ft of ceiling.
Unless specified differently, the luminaires are of the fluorescent lamp type with steel housing and hardware. Where air-handling type luminaires were tested, the design may describe the luminaire as air handling or as provided with slots in the housing. However, since no air movement was employed during the test, the ratings require that air movement be effectively stopped at the start of a fire. Air-handling luminaire may be used in any design which specifies luminaires, provided it is not necessary to alter the enclosure surrounding the luminaire and that provisions are made for effectively stopping the movement of air at the start of a fire. In ceilings employing an exposed grid suspension system, when hanger wire is required at midpoint of the cross tee on each side of luminaires, the wire shall be installed with approx 1/8 in. of slack such that it will not be pulling on the cross tee at room temperature conditions.
14. Enclosures for Fluorescent Recessed Luminaires
Enclosures for luminaires shall be spaced away from the top of luminaire housing as shown on individual designs. When luminaires are installed end to end, one end piece of the protection material that is part of the enclosure shall be placed on top of the adjoining top protection pieces to cover the gap at the junction of the luminaires. Spacers placed on top of the luminaire housing to provide clearance for the protection material shall not be located directly over or adjacent to luminaire ballasts.
Installation is intended to be in conformance with ANSI/NFPA 70, ??National Electrical Code.?? For lay-in panel ceilings, as an alternate to the spacers cut from ceiling material or mineral wool batts, pieces of ceiling suspension system tees may be used to maintain the clearance between the protection material and the top of the luminaire.
Now, with this information in mind, why is it like pulling teeth to get a properly listed fixture? Am I misreading the requirement for equipment installed in environmental air spaces? Does the required listing ONLY apply to troffers and not to other types of luminaires?
Let me know what you think.