Notcing Ceiling Grid? (not really NEC, but not sure where to post)

[bjp_ne_elec]

I have a job that is going to require Wiremold, and I was wondering if there are any issues notching the ceiling grid where the Wiremold needs to penetrate in to the area above the ceiling. Hate to offset the Wiremold, as I just think it would be much cleaner to keep it huggin the wall - not that I haven't offset Wiremold before - but I'm not crazy about doing it. Is this a question to the building owner - as the custmore (lessee) does not have an issue with it. Or is this a question for the building inspector? I don't see this as impacting the integrity of the ceiling grid.

Thanks,

Brett

 

[infinity]

If you're thinking about notching the wall angle to allow the wiremold to pass above the ceiling that is fine. It's done all of the time. Besides as you've noted it will make for a better looking job as opposed to offsetting the wiremold.

 

[bjp_ne_elec]

Trevor - thanks. I was concerned about two things - whethere the structural integrity of the ceiling grid would be compromised, and also if the owner of the building (my customer is leasing the space) would have an issue with it.'

THanks

Brett

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

The owner could say no to this.

 

[paul]

I cut two slots in it, than fold it down flat. That way it could be folded back up and made to look somewhat normal if the wiremold is removed.

 

[ryan_618]

The wall angle of the ceiling grid is simply to hold the mains and tees from falling down. As a certified building inspector myself, I see no problem with it.

 

[rcarroll]

Did it many times & passed it many times.

 

[crankshaft]

i have done it many times as well with no problems, the gc or the carpenters will usually support the grid on both sides of the notches with screws to the nearest studs of the notches.

 

[LarryFine]

I cut two slots in it, than fold it down flat. That way it could be folded back up and made to look somewhat normal if the wiremold is removed.

I do the same thing, except that I fold the tab up, so it's less visible.

 

[iwire]

I cut two slots in it, than fold it down flat. That way it could be folded back up and made to look somewhat normal if the wiremold is removed.

Same here fold up or down depending on the situation.

If the wall angle is loose I will toss a screw or two into it.

 

[eprice]

I agree with what the others have said. To add some evidence for this viewpoint, here is a quote from the Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA) guidelines, the standard refered to by the IBC for installation of ceiling grid:

Unless perimeter members are a structural part of the approved system, wall angles or channels shall be considered as aesthetic closures and shall have no structural value assessed to themselves or their method of attachment to the walls.

There could be a specific design where the wall angles are important, and in this case, you could not notch them, but in general, they have no structural importance.

 

[sandsnow]

In a ceiling system at least here in our seismic zone. Two adjoining walls the tees are riveted to the wall angles. The other two adjoining sides float to allow shifting for normal as well as abnormal movement.

I still doubt one of our building inspectors would call it a violation even if you noctched the riveted side.