Can drop ceiling lights be surface mounted?

[hd54kh]

I can get 2'x4' 3 bulb T8 drop ceiling light fixtures for 10.00 each. Any issues mounting them on a metal ceiling with 3/4 ribs?

I am looking at 20 fixtures needed so this is quite a deal.

TIA - Terry

 

[rockwithjason]

It wont be technically correct but it can be done. If you arent having it inspected and are not planning on moving anytime soon then the choice is yours

 

[hd54kh]

Thanks Jason, curious why it would not be ok. My thought was it is designed to be "hung" with open air around the enclosure. I have seen hung ceilings with just a few inches of air space above it. I was thinking the ceiling ribs would keep the enclosure from being flat against the surface providing an air space.

Not worrying about inspection and hopefully not selling, maybe daughters problem when I am no longer here.

I was hoping for a non issue. My thought was mount one electric box than conduit and individual stranded #12s between each fixture.

Oh they will be on a 14' high ceiling in a 16 x 30 foot garage bay.

Terry

 

[Mustang51js]

I don't think your supposed to screw through the top to mount,but I don't see it being a problem if you do. You could also get jack chain and drop them down some and then you can hang from the corners like normal

 

[rockwithjason]

when talking about installing anything the code says it must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and in accordance with its listing. i have never seen a drop ceiling fixture that is listed to be mounted any other way. now it can be done, its just not technically correct.

 

[Electric_Light]

You live in one of the hottest places. How hot does it get around the fixture? The ballast often fails early in high ambient temperature operation especially ballasts not made for high temperature use

 

[hd54kh]

I see the point of how the item is listed, hung around the outer edge as the support, but they do get additional support by chains as a fall out precaution. So I'll have to give the chain support some thought.

Yes I had some thinking about the ballast, this is why I was thinking the 3/4 inch spacing of the ribs in the ceiling would serve as a standoff to allow some air circulation around them and the metal ceiling material as a heat sink.

It is a 14' ceiling so if it is acceptable to chain hang them this might work as I have the head room.

Terry

 

[Electric_Light]

Yes I had some thinking about the ballast, this is why I was thinking the 3/4 inch spacing of the ribs in the ceiling would serve as a standoff to allow some air circulation around them and the metal ceiling material as a heat sink.
Terry

I misread your location. I was looking at rockwithjason's location. The air temp at 14' in Las Vegas and NC are different. HT ballasts are advisable for warehouse/garage in Las Vegas when the lights will run all day long at 100F+ ambient (around the fixtures) but I think you're fine with ordinary ones in NC.

Using fixtures with a standard ballast in high ambient condition is the common cause of excess ballast failures. Same issue affects LED drivers, although LED emitters themselves also suffer accelerated decay under high ambient,so LEDs are meant to be owned under warranty.