By suspended ceiling I presume you mean plasterboard and not a grid system?

Hi Peter. Using a suspended ceiling, which typically consists of a grid of light metal bars with an inverted ‘T’ section for ceiling tiles, recessed luminaires, and other fixtures, isn’t ideal for installing flat insulated and sheathed cables. The sharp edges of the grid can damage the cables during installation and maintenance, and cables might get trapped between the tiles and the grid. Additionally, the ceiling grid might not be built to handle the extra weight of the cables, potentially causing it to deform or even collapse.

-Andrew

Do you mean 521.10.202?

If the suspended ceiling will not collapse prematurely, neither will the cables; but if the ceiling can collapse, then clearly the cables will do so at the same time.

The other issue is that the cables may obstruct the lifting of a single tile to permit inspection and maintenance in the void.

134.1.1 springs to mind.

Also need to consider the safety of those persons if its a suspended ceiling with lift out or accessible tiles that persons my get entangled trying to access the void, or damage cables doing so. Although any suspended celing grid system the provider will design supports for weight load of luminaires etc, they may not have considered or known about all the cables lying on grid and their weight.

From my perspective its to be avoided and cables fixed to tray/basket suspended at a suitable height above the ceiling.

Cheers GTB 

How much cable and what type of cable?

People think that ethernet cable is ok loose above a suspended ceiling (grid ceiling) in an office but they fail to consider several facts

It is Plenum grade or LS0H?

The Weight of the cable eg 300 meter box of Cat6 weighs about 10KG and if you have 50 data points with about 10 meters above ceiling you have about 50KG sitting on the grid

Entaglement

Premature colapse in the event of a fire or if the ceiling colapses

Sharp edges/abrasive edges which could damage cable when installed or long term with vibration or movement

With all that being said, in an average domestic dwelling it is probably OK to have loose cat6 above the plaster board ceiling.  The main caveats here would be insulation

If Cat6 used for PoE (Power Of Ethernet) then there should be a de-rating factor.  If the insulation is PIR there could also be plastiser migration issues

The above can also all be turned on it head if it as 10mm2  CSA SWA (steel Wire Armour) in which case it should be supported and cleated/clipped throughout