mc supports on illuminaresin a recessed ceiling.

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daddyo

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I've heard conflicting answers from inspectors on whether or not I can use the ceiling grid or ceiling wires to support my mc cable from light to light, and that is with using listed supports.
 
Re: mc supports on illuminaresin a recessed ceiling.

As far as I can remember you weren't allowed to use ceiling grid wires that support the ceiling for electrical wiring support. Support has to be independent, you can use the support wires that you tie your lights up to. All the inspectors I've ever dealt with dont allow ceiling grid wire that supports the ceiling as a means of support for electrical wires or anything else for that matter.
 
Re: mc supports on illuminaresin a recessed ceiling.

Originally posted by chevyx92:
All the inspectors I've ever dealt with dont allow ceiling grid wire that supports the ceiling as a means of support for electrical wires or anything else for that matter.
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When you say anything else, do you also mean the fixture support? I cannot find anything to supports your statement that does not allow this type of support. I did, however, find this. 410.16(C)

Thanks.
 
Re: mc supports on illuminaresin a recessed ceiling.

I said you are arent allowed to use the wires that hold up the ceiling to support electrical wires, cable etc.. When you set your troffers you have to tie them up with wire and that wire you use for that can be used to support electrical wiring such as mc cable.
 
Re: mc supports on illuminaresin a recessed ceiling.

Originally posted by chevyx92:
When you set your troffers you have to tie them up with wire ....
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Actually, you don't. At least, not according to the NEC. All that is required is that they are "securely fastened to the ceiling framing member by mechanical means such as bolts, screws, or rivets." (410.16(C))
However, in most areas, the building code requires us to support our fixtures independent of the ceiling framing members. Here in NJ we are required to comply with 410.16(C), but I can't get a straight answer about the support wires. But I do agree with the others in response to the original question, that we cannot use the ceiling support wires to support our MC cable. Those wires are to be used only for supporting the ceiling. The building inspector will fail the ceiling installation if we use those wires.

John

EDIT: Oh, but I've just read 300.11(A)(2), as Pierre pointed out. So we need to determine if the ceiling is fire-rated. Then we need to read the ceiling manufacturers installation instructions. Ok, let's just put up some wires to support our fixtures, and avoid any hassles.....

[ February 28, 2006, 11:55 PM: Message edited by: JES2727 ]
 
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