IBC
CEILING INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENTS
SUMMARY
This document is intended as a guideline only. It is not a substitute for the full
text of the referenced standards and does not reflect all building codes, laws,
statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations that may be applicable to a
particular installation.
Armstrong is not licensed to provide professional architecture or engineering
design services.
Armstrong does not warrant the suitability of these guidelines for a particular
installation. The user is advised to obtain complete copies of the referenced
documents, to familiarize himself or herself with all building codes, laws,
statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations applicable to the particular locale
and circumstances of each installation, and to assure compliance with all
applicable legal requirements.
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INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE [2000/2003]
SUSPENDED CEILING INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: IBC 2000 lists specific requirements for the installation of suspended ceilings in section
1621.2. Section 1621 of the 2003 edition of the code directs the reader to the American Society
of Civil Engineers Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures manual [ASCE 702]. The content has not materially changed. Source references are made to both texts in this
summary.
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORIES B, C, D, E, AND F
Free Floating Components [Source: IBC 1621.2.1, ASCE 9.6.2.2]
Architectural components supported by chains or otherwise suspended from the structure
are not required to meet lateral seismic force requirements as long as they are capable of
moving a minimum of 12" or swing 45° off vertical, without damage or contacting an
obstruction. Gravity design loads must be three times operating load.
ASCE 7-02 does not include the reference to 12” and 45°.
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORIES A AND B
The IBC does not require any special installation considerations for suspended ceiling
installations in these categories. It is assumed that the basic standards listed in ASTM C 636,
Standard Practice for Installation of Metal Ceiling Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and
Lay-In Panels, should be followed.
Wall Molding
Wall molding is not mentioned in the C 636 standard. All options are available, and no
standard practice for attachment is specified.
Hangers
Attachment of hangers to the building structure must be by means demonstrated to be
suitable by standard construction practice or by certified test data.
[Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.1.2]
Space hangers 4' on center, or adjust suspension system allowable load based on actual
center spacing. [Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.1.3]
Hangers must be plumb within one in six [10] unless counter-sloping wire or horizontal
bracing is provided. [Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.1.4]
Wire hangers must be minimum 12-gauge galvanized, soft-annealed, mild steel wire.
[Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.1.6]
Devices used to attach wires to the grid must be certified to carry five times the design load.
[Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.1.7]
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Wires loops must be tightly formed and secured by a minimum of three complete wraps
completed within 3". [Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.3.4]
Main Beams
No performance standard is given for load-carrying capacity of mains beams. Components
are to be selected based on the design loads of the ceiling assembly.
Mains are to be level within ¼" in 10'. [Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.2.3.1]
Connections must align properly [0.015" vertical or horizontal], and there shall be no
visually apparent angular displacement. [Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.6.1]
Gaps between connected main beams must be less than 0.020".
[Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.6.3]
All Armstrong suspension systems can be used.
Cross Tees
Must be installed within 1/32" of required center spacing.
[Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.4.1]
Must form right angles with the main beams. No tolerance is specified.
[Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.4.2]
Must be flush with the mains [-0.0"+0.015"]. [Source: ASTM C 636-96, Section 2.4.3]
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY C
This section applies only to Seismic Use group III structures (essential facilities) and use group I
& II structures three or more stories tall.
IBC calls for suspended ceilings in this category to be installed in accordance with CISCA 0-2.
These recommendations were first published July 1, 1991, and were reprinted September 1,
2002, with minor changes. The objective of this standard is to create an unrestrained ceiling.
Or submit brochure CS-3543 as an alternate assembly tested under ICC-ES (AC156)
Seismic Qualification Testing of Nonstructural Components.
The following requirements are in addition to those listed for ASTM C 636.
Ceiling Weight
The actual weight of the ceiling system, including grid, panels, light fixtures, and air
terminals, is to be no more than 2.5 PSF. All other services must be supported
independently from the ceiling system. When the average ceiling weight exceeds 2.5 PSF,
the ceiling is to be installed to meet the CISCA 3-4 provisions.
[Source: CISCA 0-2, page 3, Section 4, #3]
Wall Molding
Moldings must have horizontal flange of at least ⅞".
[Source: CISCA 0-2, page 4, Section 1, #5]
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7800, AL7801, EA7801, HD7801, SS7801, 7802, 7803, 7805, 7809, 7830, 7831, 7834,
7835
The terminal ends of the grid must rest on the molding with at least ⅜" clearance from the
wall, and at least ⅜" perch on the molding. [Source: CISCA 0-2, page 4, Section 1, #5]
Shadow molding may be used to meet this requirement.
[Source: CISCA 0-2, page 4, Section 1, #5]
7820, 7822, 7824, 7826, 7828, 7829
Perimeter attachment is not permitted. [Source: CISCA 0-2, page 4, Section 1, #6]
When the horizontal leg of the molding is less than ⅞" wide, the terminal ends of each cross
tee and main beam must be independently supported within 8" of the wall or ceiling
discontinuity. This support may be 12-gauge hanger wire or other support to prevent the
grid from falling. These perimeter wires may attach to the structure above, or to the wall
above the plane of the ceiling. Wires must be plumb within one in six, and the ⅜" end
clearance must be maintained. [Source: CISCA 0-2, page 4, Section 1, #5]
7804, 780410
For essential facilities, the option to use a molding less than ⅞" wide is eliminated, the
perimeter wires are required, and the minimum clearance between ends of suspension
system components and the wall is increased to ½".
[Source: CISCA 0-2, page 4, Section 1, #7]
Hangers
Normal hanger wires are not specified in CISCA 0-2. It is assumed that they must meet the
requirements set in ASTM C 636.
Suspension System
Main Beam and cross tee intersections and splices must have connection strengths of at
least 60 pounds in compression and in tension. [Source: CISCA 0-2, page 3, Section 4, #2]
All Armstrong Suspension systems comply.
Perimeter Spacers
Perimeter components must have spacer bars, or some other suitable system, to prevent
spreading. [Source: CISCA 0-2, page 4, Section 1, #6]
BERC, 7425, 7445
Light Fixtures
Fixtures weighing 56 pounds or less must have two 12-gauge wires attached at diagonal
corners, and these wires must be slack. Fixtures weighing in excess of 56 pounds must be
independently supported from the building structure.
[Source: CISCA 0-2, page 3, Section 4, #1]
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Partition Attachment
The ceiling system may not be used to support walls or partitions. Any attachment
mechanism must allow the ceiling to move ⅜" in any direction.
[Source: CISCA 0-2, page 4, Section 1, #4]
Penetrations
All ceiling penetrations are to be treated as perimeter closures, and must allow the minimum
⅜" clearance by use of suitable escutcheons or closure details.
[Source: CISCA 0-2, page 4, Section 1, #5]
IBC only requires ¼” clearance at sprinklers and other penetrations
[Source: IBC 2000 Section 1621.2.5.2.1]
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORIES D, E, AND F
Category D, E, and F ceilings are to be designed and installed according to CISCA 3-4, and
eight additional requirements listed in Section 1621.2.5.2.2 of the IBC and Section 9.6.2.6.2.2 in
ASCE 7-02.
Ceiling areas of 144 square feet or less are exempted from lateral load design requirements.
[Source: CISCA 3-4, page 1, Section 2, #1]
Ceilings constructed of lath and plaster or screw-applied gypsum boards are exempt from lateral
load design requirements. [Source: CISCA 3-4, page 1, Section 2, #2]
This practice creates a restrained ceiling.
The following is a combination of the requirements spelled out in the two referenced documents.
Wall Molding [Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #2, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 b]
Moldings must have a horizontal flange of at least 2".
7810, 7812 or BERC2 and submit brochure CS-3543 as an alternate assembly tested
under ICC-ES (AC156) Seismic Qualification Testing of Nonstructural Components.
The ceiling grid must be attached to the molding at two adjacent walls.
Unattached ends of the grid system must have ¾" clearance from the wall, and must rest
upon and be free to slide on the molding.
Hangers [Source: CISCA 3-4, page 1, Section 4, #1]
Suspension wires must be minimum 12-gauge when spaced at 4' centers, or 10-gauge at 5'.
Hanger wire attachment devices must be capable of supporting 100 pounds.
Connections at main beam and at structure shall be secured with a minimum of three
complete turns.
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Perimeter Support [Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 1, #2]
Terminal ends of each main beam and cross tee must be supported within 8" of each wall or
ceiling discontinuity, with 12-gauge wire or approved wall support. These wires must be
plumb to within one in six, and may attach to the adjacent wall or to the structure above.
Perimeter Spacers [Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 1, #4]
Ends of main runners and cross tees shall be tied together to prevent their spreading.
7425, 7445 or BERC2
Suspension System [Source: CISCA 3-4 and IBC 1621.2.5.2.2]
Main beams must be heavy duty. [Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #1, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 a]
56418, 7301, 730136, 7301G90, 7501, 7601, 76018, HD8200, 8301, HD8901, HD8906,
HD8906G90
Main beam and cross tee intersections and splices must have connection strengths of at
least 180 pounds in compression and in tension.
[Source: CISCA 3-4, page 1, Section 3, #2]
Prelude XL (7300 & 8300 series), Suprafine XL (7500 series), Silhouette XL (7600
series), DGS (8900 series) Note: the following systems meet the connection strength
requirement but do not have a heavy duty main: AL & SS Prelude Plus, Interlude,
Serpentina, Sonata, Extruded Aluminum Clean Room (with screw through tees).
Cross tees supporting light fixtures must have the same load-carrying capacity as the main
beams, or be fitted with supplemental hangers.
[Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 2]
XL7341, XL8341, XL8945, XL8945G90
Cross tees supporting mechanical services must have the same load-carrying capacity as
the main beam. [Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 3]
Lateral Force Bracing [Source: CISCA 3-4 and IBC 1621.2.5.2.2]
Ceiling areas greater than 1000 square feet must have lateral force bracing.
[Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #3, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 c]
Rigid bracing may be used instead of diagonal splay wires.
[Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #3, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 c]
Bracing must limit ceiling movement to less than ¼" at the point of attachment.
[Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #3, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 c]
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Splay wire bracing shall be clusters of four 12-gauge wires attached to the main beam within
2" of the cross tee intersection. Wires are arrayed 90° from each other at an angle not
exceeding 45° from the plane of the ceiling. [Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 1, #3]
A strut, with stiffness adequate to resist the vertical loads imposed, shall be attached to the
suspension system, and to the structure above at each bracing location.
[Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 1, #3
Table for selecting studs is ready (from Deitrich) waiting approval from legal to
publish.
Horizontal restraint points shall be no more than 12' on center in each direction, and the first
point shall be within 6' of each wall. [Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 1, #3]
Attachment of the bracing wires to the main beam and to the structure shall be capable of
supporting the greater of 200 pounds or the actual design load with a safety factor of 2.
[Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 1, #3]
Light Fixtures [Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 2]
All fixtures must be positively attached to the suspension system. The attachment device
must be able to withstand 100% of the weight of the fixture acting in any direction.
Fixtures weighing 56 pounds or less must have two 12-gauge wires attached at diagonal
corners, and these wires may be slack. Fixtures weighing in excess of 56 pounds must be
independently supported from the building structure.
Pendant-mounted fixtures must be supported directly from the structure, using 9-gauge wire.
They may not use the ceiling suspension system for support.
Mechanical Services [Source: CISCA 3-4, page 2, Section 3]
Must be positively attached to the suspension system main beams, or to cross tees with the
same load-carrying capacity.
Terminals or services weighing 20 pounds to 56 pounds must have two 12-gauge wires
connecting them to the ceiling system hangers, or to the structure above.
Terminals or services weighing more than 56 pounds must be independently supported.
Partition Attachment [Source: IBC 1621.2.7, ASCE 9.6.2.8.1]
Partitions attached to the ceiling suspension system shall be laterally braced to the building
structure. This bracing is to be independent of any ceilings splay wire bracing.
Exception: Partitions not taller than 9' as long as the horizontal seismic load does not
exceed 5 PSF.
UPC
Penetrations [Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #5, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 e]
Except when rigid bracing is used, sprinkler heads and other penetrations must have 2"
oversized trim to allow 1" horizontal movement in all horizontal directions.
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Seismic Separation Joints [Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #4, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 d]
Ceiling areas greater than 2500 square feet must have seismic separation joints or full
height partitions unless analyses are performed to demonstrate that the closure trims and
angles provide enough clearance to accommodate the additional ceiling movement.
Height Transitions [Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #6, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 f]
Changes in ceiling plane elevation must have positive bracing.
Cable Trays [Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #7, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 g]
Cable trays and electrical conduits shall be independently supported and braced
independently of the ceiling.
Special Inspection [Source: IBC 1621.2.5.2.2 #8, ASCE 9.6.2.6.2.2 h]
Suspended ceilings are subject to special inspection as described in Section 1704 of the
2000 code, and Section A.9.3.3.9 in ASCE 7, the 2003 IBC reference. This inspection
entails manufacturer certification of component performance and periodic inspection of the
suspended ceiling system anchorage system.
USEFUL WEB SITE LINKS
ASTM
http://www.astm.org /
American Society for Testing and Materials
BSSC
http://www.nibs.org/
Building Seismic Safety Committee
FEMA
http://www.fema.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency
ICC
http://www.intlcode.org/
International Code Council
MCEER
http://mceer.buffalo.edu
Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research
USGS
http://geohazards.cr.usgs.gov/eq/
United States Geological Service
–8–
min. 3/8"
Spacer bar, or other
suitable system, to keep
perimeter components
from spreading apart.
Category C
details
min. 3/8"
min. 7/8"
min. 3/8"
Spacer bar, or other
suitable system, to keep
perimeter components
from spreading apart.
1
6
min. 3/8"
min. 7/8"
min. 3/8"
Spacer bar, or other
suitable system, to keep
perimeter components
from spreading apart.
max. 8"
min. 3/8"
min. 3/8"
min. 7/8"
–9–
Spacer bar, or other
suitable system, to keep
perimeter components
from spreading apart.
details
min. 3/4" at un-attached walls
min. 2"
1
8" MAX.
6
1
7
2"
8"
max. 8"
Attach one end of grid to molding
at two adjacent walls.
Perimeter wires or approved wall
support required required at the
terminal ends of all grid.
compression post
Splay wire bracing
Typical bracing detail
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