National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Question:

Thanks for the Code information each day. Always a work in progress. The question today is about lay-in fixtures in a grid ceiling. Can sheet metal screws be used to fasten the fixture to the grid, or do we have to use hurricane clips?

Thanks.

Burt Ash

A

Answer:

Hello Burt,

Thanks for participating and for the question. Section 410.36 requires framing members of suspended ceiling systems used to support luminaires be securely fastened to each other and shall be securely attached to the building structure at appropriate intervals. 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. Sheet metal screws can be used and listed and identified hurricane clips shall be permitted.

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