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Section 6

Above a suspended ceiling

Reference NEC Section 362.10(5) Permitted Uses:

(5)

Above suspended ceilings where the suspended ceilings

provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least a 15

minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire-rated

assemblies, except as permitted in Section 362.10(1)(a).

Exception: Where a fire sprinkler system(s) is installed in

accordance with NFPA 13-1999, Standard for the Installation

of Sprinkler Systems, on all floors, ENT is permitted to be

used within walls, floors, and ceilings, exposed or concealed,

in buildings exceeding three floors above grade.

Questions About ENT

1. CAN I USE ENT FOR FIXTURE TAILS?

It depends. If the ENT fixture tail is used in non-air-handling

plenum, it is permitted (see NEC Section 410.14 and

410.67(C). If the ENT would be used as a fixture tail in an

air-handling plenum, the answer is NO. (ref. NEC Section

300.22). See illustration 6-1 and 6-2 in this section.

2. CAN I USE ENT FOR BRANCH LIGHTING AND

POWER CIRCUITS RUN ABOVE A SUSPENDED

CEILING?

Yes, provided the area, above the lay-in ceiling, is not

used as an air-handling space.

3. WHAT IF THE INSPECTOR SAYS THAT THE CEIL-

ING INSTALLATION IS EXPOSED AND IS NOT

ALLOWED?

This is not an exposed condition. Refer to the NEC Article

100 – Definitions – Accessible: Capable of being removed

or exposed without damaging the building structure or

finish, or not being permanently closed by the structure

or finish of the building.

I AM INSTALLING ENT IN A NON-AIR-HANDLING

PLENUM. THE ENT WILL BE SUPPORTED ON

WOODEN JOISTS. WHERE DO I INSTALL THE

ENT ON THE JOIST?

Refer to Section 3 of this manual (questions 2, 3

and 4).

It refers to the hole locations in the joist or running

parallel with the joist.