Author Topic: Power-boards in drop ceilings for lighting  (Read 1191 times)

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Offline WhalesTopic starter

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Power-boards in drop ceilings for lighting
« on: January 10, 2019, 10:13:21 am »
Years ago I remember seeing a photo of power-boards (AKA power-strips) installed above a drop ceiling.  It was done so that non-sparkies could install the lighting later (no wiring required, just "plug it in").

Q: Is this method common?
Q: What is it called?

I'm after pictures of this practice, but I can't find the right search terms.

Offline PTR_1275

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Re: Power-boards in drop ceilings for lighting
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2019, 12:24:36 pm »
Everything I’ve seen has used clipsal 413 type outlets for each light. I’ve never seen a multi outlet version though
 

Offline Brumby

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Re: Power-boards in drop ceilings for lighting
« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2019, 01:47:27 pm »
Everything I’ve seen has used clipsal 413 type outlets for each light. I’ve never seen a multi outlet version though
I see those used for exhaust fans in domestic situations.

Can't say I've seen much in the way of commercial lighting installations.
 

Offline WhalesTopic starter

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Re: Power-boards in drop ceilings for lighting
« Reply #3 on: January 10, 2019, 09:40:20 pm »
Thanks PTR and Brumby.  Looks like it might have been a one-off photo then, not as popular as I suspected.

Looks like there's also the Clipsal 414.  Are these outlets rated or designed any differently vs using a junction box and a standard power board?

Context: before asking an installer/contractors to do this, want to know if it might have any safety pitfalls.  I presume not, but I'm suspicious given how I can't find photos of it again.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2019, 09:42:34 pm by Whales »
 

Offline rstofer

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Re: Power-boards in drop ceilings for lighting
« Reply #4 on: January 10, 2019, 10:51:52 pm »
Here's one system.  It's not the one I used many years ago but it's a start.

http://www.pg-enlighten.com/index.php/manufacturer/american-cable-systems
 

Offline Brumby

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Re: Power-boards in drop ceilings for lighting
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2019, 02:03:15 am »
Context: before asking an installer/contractors to do this, want to know if it might have any safety pitfalls.  I presume not, but I'm suspicious given how I can't find photos of it again.

Not sure about safety pitfalls - but without some specific input one way or another, I would be anxious about the issues I didn't foresee.

Two things I would be wary of are:
 1. On board circuit breaker.  Certainly unlikely to happen in a properly loaded circuit, but if the overload breaker tripped, it would be a nuisance to get to.  On the other hand, if it did trip, you would probably want to check it out anyway.
 2. Unused/exposed sockets.  If laid out in a manner where dust could accumulate that could hold moisture, would it be a fire risk?  Same for foreign objects (like deposits from unwelcome roof dwellers).  Could it be a source of nuisance tripping of a safety switch if on a circuit with one in place?  (Easily fixed by covering unused sockets - e.g. fitting plastic safety plugs.)

These are both somewhat unlikely - but then so are the events that have shaped safety standards for decades.  I know I've said this before, but the things that worry me are the ones I haven't thought about.
« Last Edit: January 11, 2019, 02:04:55 am by Brumby »
 

Offline stevelup

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Re: Power-boards in drop ceilings for lighting
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2019, 02:51:10 pm »
Look at Hager Klik and more specifically KLDS which are the distribution boards.

These are very common in commercial premises in the UK.

https://www.hager.co.uk/product-catalogue/lighting-connection-controls/klik/klik-4-pin/klik-4-pin-marshalling-boxes/klds12/46905.htm

 


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