IBC (International Building Code), 2006

Positive Attachment

The International Building Code (IBC) details the positive attachment of light fixtures to suspended ceiling systems in Sections 1613.1 and 25.213 which references ASCE 7 13.5.6.2 which in turn references CISCA 0-2, 3-4:

"All lighting fixtures shall be positively attached to the suspended ceiling system. The attachment device shall have a capacity of 100 percent of the lighting fixture weight acting in any direction.

"Plus 2 slack wires to the fixture housing".

Lighting fixtures weighing less then 56 pounds (25.4 kg) shall have, in addition to the requirement outlined above, two No. 12 gauge (2.7 mm) hangers connected from the fixture housing to the structure above. These wires may be slack.