Receptacles in ceiling tile

[sparkync]

There's nothing in the code that says that a 120-volt recpt. outlet can't be placed in a ceiling tile face down is there? I know it can't be above the ceiling. Thanks...

 

[iwire]

There's nothing in the code that says that a 120-volt recpt. outlet can't be placed in a ceiling tile face down is there? I know it can't be above the ceiling. Thanks...

We do a lot of them.

Use a Caddy 512HD box support, and 1.25" deep 4" square box with a plaster ring deep enough for the tile thickness.

 

[iwire]

I would also suggest a metal plate.

The plastic ones can break due to box movement when you plug something in.

 

[infinity]

If you don't use a bar is the tile permitted to support the box?

 

[sparkync]

Thanks a lot. I thought it was, but just wanted to make sure. Could you tell me the section that does not permit it above the ceiling? Thanks again.. Steve

 

[iwire]

If you don't use a bar is the tile permitted to support the box?

I think 314.23(D) takes care of it.

314.23 Supports. Enclosures within the scope of this article
shall be supported in accordance with one or more of
the provisions in 314.23(A) through (H).

(D) Suspended Ceilings. An enclosure mounted to structural
or supporting elements of a suspended ceiling shall be
not more than 1650 cm3 (100 in.3) in size and shall be
securely fastened in place in accordance with either (D)(1)
or (D)(2).

(1) Framing Members. An enclosure shall be fastened to
the framing members by mechanical means such as bolts,
screws, or rivets, or by the use of clips or other securing
means identified for use with the type of ceiling framing
member(s) and enclosure(s) employed. The framing members
shall be adequately supported and securely fastened to
each other and to the building structure.

(2) Support Wires. The installation shall comply with the
provisions of 300.11(A). The enclosure shall be secured, using
methods identified for the purpose, to ceiling support wire(s),
including any additional support wire(s) installed for that purpose.
Support wire(s) used for enclosure support shall be fastened
at each end so as to be taut within the ceiling cavity.

 

[iwire]

Thanks a lot. I thought it was, but just wanted to make sure. Could you tell me the section that does not permit it above the ceiling? Thanks again.. Steve

I can't because there is not one.

You may install a receptacle above a ceiling but many people including myself believe that 400.8 prohibits running a cord into it.

But there are some disagreements about that so only your AHJ can say for sure.

 

[sparkyrick]

I can't because there is not one.

You may install a receptacle above a ceiling but many people including myself believe that 400.8 prohibits running a cord into it.

But there are some disagreements about that so only your AHJ can say for sure.

I wish they would add an exception to the code allowing an above ceiling receptacle within 6' of a ceiling mounted video display arm. I think the intent was to prohibit 100' extension cords above a ceiling, but mounted specifically for a video display would make a much cleaner install.