Light Fixtures On Fire Rated Ceilings

[CAR]

Just wanted to confirm my understanding that if one is using surface mounted light fixtures on a fire rated ceiling assembly. These fixtures do not need to be fire rated. They can just be "standard" surface mounted/pendants. Now if the fixtures were to be recessed (i.e. cans, linears, etc.) then they would need to either be fire rated fixtures. Or the recessed areas of the fixture have to be "boxed in" with a surround. I'm looking at this excerpt from the Chicago Building Code.

Thank you.

 

[mark handler]

What is the listing info on the box you are using?
Does it require fire pads?
What do the penetrations do, to your sound transmission?

 

[steveray]

Still need to have a rated penetration at the ceiling....look around 714.5.2 maybe for penetrations

 

[CAR]

What is the listing info on the box you are using?
Does it require fire pads?
What do the penetrations do, to your sound transmission?

I'm assisting a colleague with their project. I will look into the listing info from their specs and post the info.

 

[CAR]

Still need to have a rated penetration at the ceiling....look around 714.5.2 maybe for penetrations

That's what I'm thinking. Even though the fixture itself is not penetrating the ceiling. The penetration for the fixture connection would have to be sealed and protected like any typical fire rated enclosure. But I'm assuming the fixture itself, since it's not recessed, would not have to be a 'specialty' fire rated light fixture.

 

[steveray]

That's what I'm thinking. Even though the fixture itself is not penetrating the ceiling. The penetration for the fixture connection would have to be sealed and protected like any typical fire rated enclosure. But I'm assuming the fixture itself, since it's not recessed, would not have to be a 'specialty' fire rated light fixture.

Correct....there are some electrical box gimmies....Dependent upon an 1/8" overcut max......Which never happens...

 

[revuqili]

Surface-mounted fixtures do not need to be fire-rated themselves. The key is ensuring that any penetrations for wiring are properly sealed and meet fire-rating requirements, as per the Chicago Building Code. Look closely at section 714.5.2 for guidance on rated penetrations. For standard light fixtures, focus on the fire-resistant integrity of the ceiling, rather than the fixtures themselves. you can get more details from here. Best wishes.