Surface mount fixtures/ wood ceiling

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nizak

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Is it a code violation to install surface mount lighting fixtures on a tongue and groove wood ceiling? I have seen it done, but can't ever remember doing it. Have installed recessed lighting in wood finished ceilings. Isn't that the reason why fixtures have fiberglass or foil faced fiberglass attached? Thanks
 
I dont see why it would be .
Id say is it ok for tongue and groove wood ceiling to have fixtures installed on them.
Cutting a hole for a box and the weight on the joint .
 
Boxes are supported by framing above t/g ceiling. My concern was is that the wood is a combustible surface.
 
electricalist said:
The way a arc guard is needed if there is any combustible mater . I'd just be sure the box is flush. Or use a cut in light box.
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"arc guard" Is this what your talking about ? Box Extenders. I've only used them with switches or receptacles mounted where combustible material is present, because you have exposed terminal screws. Is the consensus that fixtures mounted to wood require box extenders ?
 

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Surface mount fixtures/ wood ceiling

The 2011 code 410.23 says " Any combustible wall or ceiling finish exposed between the edge of a luminaire canopy or pan and an outlet box shall be covered with noncombustible material."
 
takelly said:
The 2011 code 410.23 says " Any combustible wall or ceiling finish exposed between the edge of a luminaire canopy or pan and an outlet box shall be covered with noncombustible material."
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Thank You. Inspectors haven't yet enforced that for exterior fixtures. Or for interior fixtures mounted on wood ceilings.
 
takelly said:
The 2011 code 410.23 says " Any combustible wall or ceiling finish exposed between the edge of a luminaire canopy or pan and an outlet box shall be covered with noncombustible material."
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kwired said:
Apparently Arlington Industries thinks so.

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Thank You takelly & kwired. This reinforces that Inspectors/AHJ all have different specific things that they pay particular attention to. Sometimes it seems like a geographical thing as to what they enforce. We've had the discussion before how slang terms vary by geography.
 
Sierrasparky said:
Those are for boxes that are set back from the wood surface. They will do nothing for a lets say a 8 in canopy and a 3/0 box
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Correct, that is something that I'd say is seldom looked at though that surface likely should be covered with something non combustible.
 
I've often wondered that also, as many fixtures have wires that are exposed above the fixture outside of the 3 1/2", or 4" diameter footprint of box. And not only wood ceilings but what about vinyl soffit? Isn't that combustable too, probably worse. Which then begs for explanation of anything PVC related oh let's not go there!
 
mopowr steve said:
I've often wondered that also, as many fixtures have wires that are exposed above the fixture outside of the 3 1/2", or 4" diameter footprint of box. And not only wood ceilings but what about vinyl soffit? Isn't that combustable too, probably worse. Which then begs for explanation of anything PVC related oh let's not go there!
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vinyl surface probably higher combustion temperature than wood, otherwise all vinyl is combustible just some compounds such as those used for electrical conduit, boxes, etc. are at a higher temp then others.
 
Ok ,
Given the footprint beyond the box needs to be covered with a non combustible material. What would that be and is it sold and readily available.
 
electricalist said:
The foil backed insulation on a surface mount fixture ?
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How does that work when the wires are above that stuff in direct contact with the wood or drywall. Are you speaking of adding some.
OK
where do you get it. If the NEC wants us to do something there should be a product readily available for the purpose. Otherwise what is the point.
 
There was a change in 2014 for 410.23.
2011 410.23 Covering of Combustible Material at Outlet Boxes.
Any combustible wall or ceiling finish exposed between the edge of a luminaire canopy or pan and an outlet box shall be covered with noncombustible material.
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2014 410.23 Covering of Combustible Material at Outlet Boxes.
Any combustible wall or ceiling finish exposed between the edge of a luminaire canopy or pan and an outlet box having a surface area of 1160 mm2 (180 in.2) or more shall be covered with noncombustible material.
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