Support of MC cable between can lights

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-=PEAKABOO=-

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Fort Worth, Texas
I know this has been discussed but after searching I am unsure of the exact meaning of 300.11 concerning whips between can lights.
The ceiling area of concern is not used as a plenum and it has a roof directly above the ceiling. I do not know how to determine whether it is a fire rated ceiling. If we are installing recessed can light fixtures and screwing these to the grid what steps must be taken to support our fixture whips between the fixtures? We normally would just use the wires installed by the ceiling installers and use KX clips.
What I want to know is do we have to add our own ceiling wires to support our MC cable between fixtures? Or can we use the ceiling wires installed by the ceiling guys?? I know we used to do it this way but we have been out of the this part of the commercial loop for a while and I am unclear on the overall meaning of 300.11.
This is in Fort Worth, Texas
Thanks a million

Steve
 
My question is really whether or not I need to add my own ceiling wires to attach my MC cables to. If so do they need to be painted orange or can I use the existing ceiling wires??
 
My question is really whether or not I need to add my own ceiling wires to attach my MC cables to.
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Yes, you need to use you own ceiling wires and not the wires installed to support the ceiling.

If so do they need to be painted orange or can I use the existing ceiling wires??
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The only requirement for the wires to be distinguishable by color is if you are in a fire-rated assembly.

Chris
 
yes, u would need your own wire ties to support mc to. 300-11 says u can not use any ceiling grid assably to support raceways too. in my mind i would just use caddy L- brackets. to the decking or ceiling, then support the wire from them.
 
-=PEAKABOO=- said:
Define what would make a ceiling fire rated?? ?
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I think the official version would come from the...

FPN: One method of determining fire rating is testing in accordance with NFPA 251-1999, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Endurance of Building Construction and Materials.

The unofficial version would be to look at the material that is being installed. It should have a U.L. fire rated stamp on it."In general", most commercial industrial institutional ceilings are made of fire rated materials.
Rick
 
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