Reference 1999 NFPA 70, Art 300-11(a). We don't allow conduit support wires connected to any part of the suspended ceiling grid. I understand (from several of our commerical electricans) that Washington State requires differing color ceiling wires (to diferentiate between ceiling grid/conduit supports, etc), fastened independently above, but tied to the ceiling support grid on the bottom. Seems to me if the ceiling falls down you've lost half of your support system. As we don't follow State rules, I may be a little in the dark here. Is that industry standard? Do other states allow tying the bottom wire of the conduit support system to the ceiling grid?
Support Wires
- Thread starter ruth
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Support Wires
We work in a few areas that enforce that.
We avoid this by not using tie wires for support, we will use bridal rings.
Jumpers between lights we use the independent support wires that we are already required to put on the lights.
On jobs where we need to do this we use these clips and spray paint the wires while bundled.
Bob
We work in a few areas that enforce that.
We avoid this by not using tie wires for support, we will use bridal rings.
Jumpers between lights we use the independent support wires that we are already required to put on the lights.
On jobs where we need to do this we use these clips and spray paint the wires while bundled.
Bob
websparky
Senior Member
- Location
- Cleveland, Ohio
Re: Support Wires
"Where independent support wires are used, they shall be secured at both ends."
Like Bob shows above.
We typically will wrap yellow tape around each wire to identify it.
"Where independent support wires are used, they shall be secured at both ends."
Like Bob shows above.
We typically will wrap yellow tape around each wire to identify it.
hbiss
EC, Westchester, New York NEC: 2014
- Location
- Hawthorne, New York NEC: 2014
- Occupation
- EC
Re: Support Wires
If you don't tie them to the ceiling grid they are going to flop around. If you do then they support the ceiling. What's the difference between yours and the ceiling guys wires other than they are redundant? I suppose those Caddy clamps will limit the amount of pull and then let go but there is nothing in any code that says you have to use them.
I believe the reason for this is for if a firemen pulls the ceiling down the fixtures and everything else won't come down on him with it.
If you don't tie them to the ceiling grid they are going to flop around. If you do then they support the ceiling. What's the difference between yours and the ceiling guys wires other than they are redundant? I suppose those Caddy clamps will limit the amount of pull and then let go but there is nothing in any code that says you have to use them.
I believe the reason for this is for if a firemen pulls the ceiling down the fixtures and everything else won't come down on him with it.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Re: Support Wires
The code only requires identification of conduit support wires when the ceiling is a "fire rated" assembly(300.11(A)(1). In normal ceilings, this identification is not required by the code(300.11(A)(2).
Ruth,
If you don't permit a connection to the ceiling grid, how are these supports "secured at both ends" as required by 300.11(A)?
Don
The code only requires identification of conduit support wires when the ceiling is a "fire rated" assembly(300.11(A)(1). In normal ceilings, this identification is not required by the code(300.11(A)(2).
Ruth,
If you don't permit a connection to the ceiling grid, how are these supports "secured at both ends" as required by 300.11(A)?
Don
- Status