light fixture mounting question

[hoosierdoc]

I need to mount a porcelin base style fixture on a drop ceiling. basically I need most of the bulb exposed below ceiling height. how do I stay within electrical code and mount a box? this is a suspended ceiling without joists above. I can post pics later if it would help

thanks!

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

Don’t they make an “old work” box, similar to the type you’d use for mounting a receptacle or light switch in an existing dry wall wall?

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

https://www.acehardware.com/departm...VQdbACh3XCgAVEAQYASABEgIJEfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[hoosierdoc]

https://www.acehardware.com/departm...VQdbACh3XCgAVEAQYASABEgIJEfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

is mounting that on a removable ceiling tile considered strong enough?

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

is mounting that on a removable ceiling tile considered strong enough?

Probably. If it’s just as you describe and a bulb, probably. If it’s a fixture of some weight, you’ll probably have to add structure above the tile and then suspend it down through.

 

[hoosierdoc]

Probably. If it’s just as you describe and a bulb, probably. If it’s a fixture of some weight, you’ll probably have to add structure above the tile and then suspend it down through.

shouldn't be much weight, just wondering about NEC compliance.

 

[sparky32]

That plastic box will be fine. We call them "cut in boxes" . They also make metal ones you can use that have a seprate device to mount the box called "Madison hangers".
NEC wise you are good unless you plan on putting a half dozen romex cables in there for to much box fill.... but that is a whole new animal.

 

[sparky32]

If the fixture has any weight to it and this is a Lay In type grid ceiling this is what you need.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

shouldn't be much weight, just wondering about NEC compliance.

NEC-wise, should be ok.

 

[lrdudley]

Menards at Southport Road has 10 in stock. Should be in Aisle 10 fairly high on the shelves. Blue and white box. This takes all the weight off the ceiling tile.
https://www.menards.com/main/electr...969503-c-6425.htm?searchTermToProduct=3612500

 

[edwea]

This isn't a bare bulb type fixture going in a closet by chance is it? Otherwise you should be fine.

 

[hoosierdoc]

This isn't a bare bulb type fixture going in a closet by chance is it? Otherwise you should be fine.

no, it'll be on the ceiling.

will those old work boxes allow the metal flexible conduit to terminate in there?

these probably would

 

[sparky32]

no, it'll be on the ceiling.

will those old work boxes allow the metal flexible conduit to terminate in there?

these probably would

These will work for NM (non metallic) or MC (metal clad) cable, just use the proper connector for the mc cable or flex and you will be good to go.

Plastic old work boxes do not have KO's most of the time for connectors some do but not normally.

I would just use the above bracket for your tile grid ceiling.

It has the connectors built into the box already for your cable you are talking about as long as it is just some 12/2 mc cable.

 

[femurphy77]

If the fixture has any weight to it and this is a Lay In type grid ceiling this is what you need.

This what you're looking for. The ones I've seen just come with a clip that straddles the bar and screws onto the back of the box you're using which is typically an octagon box as pictured. When you cut the tile and insert this piece the j box should drop down flush with the ceiling tile your using then attach your keyless to the j box.

 

[hoosierdoc]

This what you're looking for. The ones I've seen just come with a clip that straddles the bar and screws onto the back of the box you're using which is typically an octagon box as pictured. When you cut the tile and insert this piece the j box should drop down flush with the ceiling tile your using then attach your keyless to the j box.

thanks. I was wondering about how long it was going to hang but if it's flush with bottom of ceiling tile that would be perfect.

 

[hoosierdoc]

.

never mind, I'll do it thr right way

 

[JCSR]

Menards at Southport Road has 10 in stock. Should be in Aisle 10 fairly high on the shelves. Blue and white box. This takes all the weight off the ceiling tile.
https://www.menards.com/main/electr...969503-c-6425.htm?searchTermToProduct=3612500

Go with this.

 

[hoosierdoc]

Go with this.

yeah, I bought 8. I'm cheap but fire sucks, so....

 

[epeery]

Looks like you already got an acceptable mount, but for anyone else who sees this thread, the "old construction" boxes are NOT an acceptable way to mount fixtures in a dropped ceiling. They would be an NEC violation and most likely a building code violation as well.

 

[Kimber]

That is exactly what they need, the arms are made to clip on the drop ceiling grid.