Screws in suspended ceiling light fixtures.

[82angelfan]

Let's beat this dead horse. This is a pick your battles issue, but because the inspector walked off I am asking.
Today, my inspector walked off the job and wrote a correction for 2x4 fixtures not having 4 screws.

On several OSHPD jobs I have had structural details that show:
10# or less (1) 12 gage ceiling wire
10# to 56# (2) 12 gage ceiling wires and 2 screws at opposite corners
more than 56# (4 minimum) 12 gage ceiling wires and more 4 minimum screws.

I mentioned this to the inspector, but said I will get my apprentice to fix it. The inspector said call me when you fix it and left, and would not inspect the rest of the rooms.

Please, what is the definitive answer? There has to be a code. A UBC or CBC or seismic. This is one of those areas where inspectors push contractors around, like with gas bond or eccentric knockouts.

 

[roger]

Do a search for CISCA handbook, it might help you

 

[kwired]

Only time I put screws in grid lay in fixtures was when dealing with older ones that had no grid clips or maybe back in 90's some the big box store cheap fixtures didn't have clips. Some those big box fixtures back then you needed to add some screws just to keep the fixture from falling apart as you were trying to handle it though.

You may have seismic related requirements that I don't have to deal with where I am though.

 

[hillbilly1]

It’s been some time since they allowed only two screws in opposite corners. One of the reasons is supposedly when fire fighters rip out ceiling tiles with their hook, it keeps the fixture from falling on them. If the ceiling is not rated for support of the fixture, then independent means such as extra ceiling wires to support the fixture.

 

[hbiss]

Always support wires, one each on opposite corners. Then screws through the grid, I always did four.

-Hal

 

[roger]

Back to post #2, see page #6 HERE. This same information is in the IBC.

 

[Knightryder12]

I am in FLA, so no seismic requirements. It has been a long time since we have been allowed to put screws in the grid to hold the lights. We have to do ceiling wire, 2 minimum, opposite corners. NO SCREWS.