AGI seismic fixture clamps

Seismic Requirements for lighting fixtures

The latest requirement for seismic restraint of lighting fixtures within suspended ceiling systems are now derived from ASTM E 580 (American Society for Testing and Materials) This requirement is a rewrittin combination of CISCA 0-2 and CISCA 3 & 4 (Ceiling & Interior Systems Construction Association) adopted into ASCE 7-10 (American Society of Civil Engineers), CBC 2010 (California Building Code) and the IBC 2012 (International Building Code), Reference ASCE 7

A proper attachment device will allow the lighting fixture to remain attached to the suspended ceiling grid in an earthquake (shown at right).

The Code Prescription for Positive Attachment:

ASTM E 580-5,3 states, "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”. The lateral restraint for the light fixture is provided by the ceiling grid, the positive attachment devices restrict light fixture torsion, to prevent grid intersection failure .  Recently clairified issues are:

  • 1) a minimum of two positive attachment devices
  • 2) no hanger wires are to be attached to detachable end plates
  • What is yet to be clarified is the practice of screwing the end of the fixture to the grid, as the assumption is all lighting fixtures are structurally equal without regard

Assumption, does not take into account the structural integrity of the lighting fixture.  If the lighting fixture breaks apart and the fluorescent tubes fall on the floor due to the restraint provided by the positive attachment devices, will this properly protect the occupants' safety as intended?

In 2002, ICC (International Code Council) published AC 184 to properly define “positive attachment”.

In the 1990s, it became clear to ICC that a more scientific definition was required to ensure that the industry would adhere to the intent of the original UBC and CISCA code requirements to protect public safety.
ICC published the acceptance criteria AC184 to clearly outline the static and dynamic testing requirements for devices to be acceptable for use to meet the “positive attachment” requirement

Is the building industry meeting this requirement?

 AGI SFC product family

The lighting fixture is suspended to the ceiling grid by Seismic Fixture Clamps (SFC) at all four corners to ensure that it is earthquake safe.

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Lighting fixture positively attached to ceiling grid with SFC