Support of Luminaires in suspended ceilings

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bkelly

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I would like some opinions on the support of luminaires in suspended ceilings. 2008 NEC, 410.36 states; "Luminaires shall be securely fastened to the ceiling framing member by mechanical means such as bolts, screws, or rivets. Listed clips identified for use with the type of ceiling framing member(s) and luminaire(s) shall also be permitted. Are the bend out "clips" on the fixtures considered a "listed clip"? Would you have to see spec. sheets for each type of fixture to determine if they are "listed"? What do you think?
 
The bend out clips if used properly would be OK.

Keep in mind that in some areas with seismic requirements that you might need independent support wires in addition to the clips on the fixture.

Chris
 
raider1 said:
The bend out clips if used properly would be OK.

Keep in mind that in some areas with seismic requirements that you might need independent support wires in addition to the clips on the fixture.

Chris
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Whoops! I thought that the OP was talking about just connecting the fixture to the grid, not supporting it. I read the entire code section that was partly quoted and I change my reply. In my area additional support wires are required unless you can prove that the grid is listed as support for light fixtures. The support wires are to be marked as to distinguish them as fixture supports. Two wires per fixture on a diagonal. The clips are only used as stabilizers for maintenance on the fixture.
 
jumper said:
Whoops! I thought that the OP was talking about just connecting the fixture to the grid, not supporting it. I read the entire code section that was partly quoted and I change my reply. In my area additional support wires are required unless you can prove that the grid is listed as support for light fixtures. The support wires are to be marked as to distinguish them as fixture supports. Two wires per fixture on a diagonal. The clips are only used as stabilizers for maintenance on the fixture.
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Do you use Chains to support the fixture?
 
In our area lay in light fixtures are sufficiently secured using the bend out clips but some clients/buildings/architects require chains to the deck. Many electricians will say that it's code to use the chains...however the "hurricane" clips as we call them sufficiently meet the code requirement.
 
The fixtures are UL approved with the installation instructions identifying the clips as the mounting method to the grid. This is NEC code compliant but seismic issues may have your building codes requiring additional support. I work in a state divided into two seismic areas with the north requiring additional support and the south does not.
 
We are allowed to screw the fixtures to the "mains" as long as they were run the right way. Or use the clips or tie wires. I usally have a crew screw them in when lamping the fixtures.
 
In Broward/Dade/Palm Beach I always put spray painted ceiling ties from the trusses caddy corner to the light, and 4 screws through the grid into the light. You'll never fail an inspection for fixture support doing it this way, remember to clip your MC to your own ties and not the grid guys.
 
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