wires running on ceiling tiles

[sha256]

Hi everyone,

I have been tasked to run some data communication cables at work as our networks are soon to be scattered across several floors. At the moment I will be running a single fibre cable which will be about a 50 metre run. I plan to use some conduit running over the girders or j hooks drilled into the ceiling.

I have two problems which I would like your assistance on:

1. We have a suspended ceiling; I took a quick peek and I could barely lift the tiles because there are copious amounts of electrical cables on the tiles, presumably for the lighting. Now I'm not an electrician but shouldn't the cables be suspended above the ceiling tiles ? Or at least use some sort of conduit/tray ? This has made my work substantially more difficult. I imagine many of you may have experienced this numerous times before; how do you add new cabling when you have other cables in the way ? I don't want to have to take off a dozen tiles to get the job done. Any tips would be much appreciated.

2. If I need to get cables through firestop boards, what options do I have ?

 

[Darkwood]

Hi sha256... welcome to the forum.

To better aid our responses to your questions, what is your background here, are you in the data/communications installations background or are you taking this on as a request to run some cables from A to B etc without experience in such practices?

 

[sha256]

Hi darkwood,

I am a network engineer.

 

[Darkwood]

Yes you would be correct in thinking running cabling across false grid ceilings is not permitted and the cables should be suitably run be it in containment, on/in tray/baskets or even permitted to suspend it if regularly supported... the practice was very common before regulations stepped in and addressed the practice over a decade ago if I recall.
There is special circumstances where cabling is permitted but such cables have been designed to be resistant to the sharp edges found on the framework of suspended ceilings and usually come as special loop in plug and socket kits for smart lighting systems.

You should of course be aware yourself of regulations regarding the running, grouping and containment of your own data cabling as well as the proximity to other class of cables, any firestop you breach must be made good or any new holes you create should have a suitable fire barrier if required by regulations, a fire rated expanding foam is a good solution if you only have a few holes to seal.

If this is part of an exit/escape route then suitable fire resistant fixings, containment etc needs to used.