surface-mount light fixture question

[matemike]

Has anyone mounted a surface mount light fixture (fluorescent or LED) directly to a z-purlin? (no chains or cables)

My purlins have about a 22.5° lean due to the roof pitch, but...
I'm entertaining the idea of bolting directly because it will put the light just a tad higher and it will make running the conduit in the purlin channels easier; then directly to the fixture that will be "right there."

The surface mount fixture housing must be strong enough because it is in fact designed for surface mounting, and the purlins must be strong enough because it's the same weight hanging as if I were to use the clips. Actually there would be a little less of a reaction moment because the clips pull on the purlin lips whereas I'm trying to hang the fixtures directly from the flat underside.

 

[MTW]

Not sure what your referring to with "clips" or what type of fixtures your considering, but strip fluorescent's could be directly drill screwed to the bottoms of the purling's (non combustible surface).

I would not pipe directly into the fixture, but instead install boxes with outlets on the vertical side of the purling. This will enable to change out the fixtures down the road, when something better comes along without requiring re-piping the run. Also allows for circuit additions and extensions easily if required.

Changing fluorescent lamps in a fixture swinging from chain is a pain in the ****.

MTW Ω

 

[matemike]

Not sure what your referring to with "clips" or what type of fixtures your considering, but strip fluorescent's could be directly drill screwed to the bottoms of the purling's (non combustible surface).

I would not pipe directly into the fixture, but instead install boxes with outlets on the vertical side of the purling. This will enable to change out the fixtures down the road, when something better comes along without requiring re-piping the run. Also allows for circuit additions and extensions easily if required.

Changing fluorescent lamps in a fixture swinging from chain is a pain in the ****.

MTW Ω

That's an excellent point.

I'm referring to clips like these:
http://www.hbbrackets.com/electrical-brackets.htm

or these:

http://www.cooperindustries.com/con...steel_fasteners_NA/Hangers-ZPurlinHangers.pdf

and I beleive what I'll end up with will be a very basic surface mount fixture like this: not so much a strip fixture.

http://www.badwgroup.com/collection...8x32-8ft-8-lamp-t8-linear-fluorescent-low-bay

That's another good point about just wiring receptacles in the ceiling on the prulin vertical "walls" and plugging the fixtures in. It will be easier to wire a 220v receptacle than wiring 220v or 240v to the fixtures themselves. Only problem is I don't think those fixtures attached have a plug option. The search continues...

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Subject to code and inspection, the use of receptacles in the circuit will require GFCI protection. One could put a 4x4 box nearby and then use a flex whip to the fixture, this would eliminate the need for GFCI.

 

[vonhef]

Subject to code and inspection, the use of receptacles in the circuit will require GFCI protection. One could put a 4x4 box nearby and then use a flex whip to the fixture, this would eliminate the need for GFCI.

That is exactly how I did my installation. A 4x4 box, with flexible MC cable run from box to fixture. My Fixtures are the 4' two bulb LED lights screwed directly to the c-purlin.

 

[matemike]

My Fixtures are the 4' two bulb LED lights screwed directly to the c-purlin.

Awesome, thanks for the affirmation that it could be done.
Do you have the weights of those fixtures or any pictures?

 

[vonhef]

Awesome, thanks for the affirmation that it could be done.
Do you have the weights of those fixtures or any pictures?

They are the standard T8 fixtures with-out a ballast so that LED bulbs can be used.

 

[nsula_country]

Screw them to the purlins. This is how I mounted the 8' T8 strips under the 30x60 lean to.

CT

 

[Norcal]

That is exactly how I did my installation. A 4x4 box, with flexible MC cable run from box to fixture. My Fixtures are the 4' two bulb LED lights screwed directly to the c-purlin.

If the MC has solid conductors it does not comply with code, conductors supplying chain mounted fixtures must be Old thread alert!!!!