Laying Cables on suspended ceiling

Is it permissible to lay cables directly on to a suspended ceiling?

I'm presuming using plastic cables above the suspended ceiling is acceptable under 521.10.201 note3?

Thanks

Parents
  • 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

Reply
  • 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

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