Sheet rock as adequate support

[infinity]

From the Gypsum Construction Handbook.

Gypsum boards used in the ceiling are not designed to support light fixtures or troffers, air vents or other equipment. Separate supports must be provided.

I found the handbook here, but you have to register to see it.
Don

These guys make it sound as if nothing were ever mounted to a sheetrock ceiling. Sounds like they're trying to indemnify themselves against any potential liability.

There are old work fixtures specifically designed to be supported by sheetrock as well as ceiling boxes intended to support fixtures as well. Here's one such old work box that is designed to hold up to a 20# fixture mounted solely to the ceiling. As you can see it's designed to conform with NEMA standard OS2. I'm also assuming that it has been listed.

http://www.passandseymour.com/pdf/P13.pdf

 

[LarryFine]

Let's not forget one important thing: there's more than one way to make the holes for the toggles. If you punch a hole, the back side of the drywall is likely to blow out, and render the remaining drywall much thinner than it was around the hole.

The proper method is to drill, so the hole is cylindrical, and not tapered. A hole-saw is best, as it makes the cleanest hole, especially on the back side of the drywall. Also, make sure the hole is no larger than necessary to pass the folded toggle.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Let's not forget one important thing: there's more than one way to make the holes for the toggles. If you punch a hole, the back side of the drywall is likely to blow out, and render the remaining drywall much thinner than it was around the hole.

The proper method is to drill, so the hole is cylindrical, and not tapered. A hole-saw is best, as it makes the cleanest hole, especially on the back side of the drywall. Also, make sure the hole is no larger than necessary to pass the folded toggle.

Very true,i use a padle bit in my drill

 

[don_resqcapt19]

There are old work fixtures specifically designed to be supported by sheetrock as well as ceiling boxes intended to support fixtures as well.

While the boxes and fixtures may be designed to be supported by drywall, the drywall is not designed to support the boxes and fixtures.
Don

 

[bikeindy]

I have seen disclaimer warnings on just about everything these days. I saw one on a window that warned about potenial decapitation if you stuck your head out the window, yes on a house window. so I am sure the drywall guys are just covering there XXXX on this one. small 1 and 2 lb fixtures mounted to an oldwork box or held with toggles are fine. but I have seen guys try to hang heavy fixtures from them and it scares the XXXX out of me.

{Moderator?s Note: Edited to remove or replace disrespectful, crude, or otherwise inappropriate language.}

 

[dlhoule]

LarryFine wrote:
Let's not forget one important thing: there's more than one way to make the holes for the toggles. If you punch a hole, the back side of the drywall is likely to blow out, and render the remaining drywall much thinner than it was around the hole.

The proper method is to drill, so the hole is cylindrical, and not tapered. A hole-saw is best, as it makes the cleanest hole, especially on the back side of the drywall. Also, make sure the hole is no larger than necessary to pass the folded toggle.

That is all true, but gee if you hit it just right with hammer you don't have to work near as hard; you don't have to fold toggle to get in through hole, just have to move it around a little to get it caught. After fixture is up no body will see the larger hole. :twisted: :twisted:

Actually I hate toggles and seldom use them. Went to change a ballast one time and had it fall on my head. Hurt like he**. If toggles had been installed as Larry Fine suggests, it would not have fallen.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

I think another possible problem with toggles in sheetrock is over-tightening. The more the bolt is over torqued, the weaker the support area becomes. I however have used them for years also with no problems.

 

[JJWalecka]

Thank you to all. I appreciate the educated insight and feedback.


Justin W.

 

[LarryFine]

I think another possible problem with toggles in sheetrock is over-tightening. The more the bolt is over torqued, the weaker the support area becomes.

True, and it's also true that over-tightening them, especially the smaller sizes, can pop the threaded center piece right out of the wings due to deformation of them.

 

[mario]

now please consider that here in Alaska, its just 9:30 am; I'm on "R&R, so still half asleep ...... I keep remembering something I read that said Sheet Rock was actually "Rated" to some weight for use with "Toggle Bolts" ... just can't remember where ... ... when I use them; I use a 7/8's "Hole-Saw" (1/2" conduit) running "Backwards" and haven't had a problem ... hate to think ""WE'VE" been guilty of Illegal Installs all these years ...... M

 

[hockeyoligist2]

A friend asked me to look at his ceiling fan that fell on his butt while him and his wife were......uh, you know, it was only supported by the sheetrock. That was a really bad mistake! and it was placed next to a stud and no screws to the stud or other support! But he did say he kept up the good work!