Installation Instructions
SpanAir ™ Clip-In Panel
Swing clips,
(minimum of 4 per panel)
Leaf springs,
(minimum of 4 per panel)
Please read these instructions completely before beginning the installation of this metal ceiling system. Always follow good safety practices when installing ceilings. Prior to beginning installation ensure that all materials are received and in good condition. Record any shipping damage on the carrier’s bill of lading and contact CMC immediately to order replacement material.
• Slot and Phillips screwdrivers
• Power drill
• Tape measure
• Level or leveling device (laser)
• Pencil or marker
• Clean gloves
• Aviation pliers
• CMC 944 Wire Tie Tool
1.2 SpanAir Clip-In Panels are supported by suspension main runners and cross tees. The panels are held in place by shifting the panels into the face of the leaf springs and swing clips (minimum of 4 per panel).
Metal panel
Leaf spring
Swing clip
1.1 SpanAir Clip-In metal ceiling panels contain leaf springs and spring clips, designed to allow downward accessibility of the panels. SpanAir Clip-In panels are manufactured of high recycled content aluminum or steel. This system installs in 15/16” T-Bar suspension grid components that receive the clip-Ins. This panel system conceals the suspension grid when properly installed. SpanAir Clip-In panels are available in standard sizes with factory installed springs for ease of installation. Standard sizes of 24” x 24” and 24” x 48” are available along with custom sizes.
Metal panel
Leaf spring
Swing clip
1.3 Panel installations that finish at the wall are trimmed out by wall channel, wall angle, or perimeter trim components.

Installation Instructions SpanAir ™ Clip-In Panel
2.1 Layout of the suspension should be detailed in the project construction drawings. Where the layout of the panels is not described, insuring that borders at opposing sides of the space are equal in dimension will provide visual balance.
2.3 Main runners, are to be installed 2’ on center and supported by minimum 12 gage hanger wire spaced at no more than 2’ centers along the length of each main runner.
2.4 Cross tees must be installed in consecutive rows to match the panel length (24” or 48”)
2.2 Installation of the suspension must conform to all local building codes and standards in every respect, with exception to sections 2.2, and 2.3 of this document.
Additional 2’ cross tees may be required to provide support for lighting fixtures or other accessories mounted in the ceiling panels. The weight of any accessory must be carried by the ceiling suspension system or by direct mounting to the structure. The weight of accessories must not be carried or supported by the ceiling panels.
Perimeter wall channel
Panel with attached springs and swing clips Main runner
3.1 Use hold down inserts to keep cut edge of Clip-In panels in place when using wall channel at the perimeter.
3.2 Use hold down inserts to hold cut edge of Clip-In panels in place when using Infinity™ perimeter trim at walls. Use a minimum of one hold down insert per foot of Clip-In panel width to maintain proper contact with trim edge.
Hold down insert
4.2 Attach the main runners and cross tees by insert the straight cut end into the #1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip.
This clip will maintain the position and spacing of the suspension components at the wall. For areas with the potential for severe seismic activity, follow the additional instructions listed in the Seismic Installations section below.
4.3 Insert the cut end of the main runner and/or cross into the #1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip to the 3/8” visible marker location on the #1496 SB Clip.
#1496 Seismic perimeter clip
Metal panel
Wall channel
4.1 Secure the specified perimeter treatment at the proper elevation on the walls as required by the construction drawings. This perimeter treatment will support the Clip-
In panels that terminate at the wall.
Wall angle
4.4 Slide the back plate of the #1496 SP Clip over the vertical leg of the wall molding.

Installation Instructions SpanAir ™ Clip-In Panel
4.5 Attach the #1496 SP Clip to the wall angle by installing screws in the predrilled holes. This will position the main runner and/or cross tee to the required position to the wall.
5.1 Cut suspension grid components to required length then attach #430 grid clips to main runner or cross tee ends with screws.
5.2 Attach additional hanger wires as required to each suspension components. Each main runner and cross teem must have a hanger wire no more than 12” from the cut end.
5.3 Cut the perimeter trim then miter corners as required for proper installation.
5.4 Attach suspension components to the perimeter trim using the #430 grid clips mounted on the suspension components. Secure the #430 grid clips to the perimeter trim by tightening the center screw.
6.1 The panels lifted and shifted on to the grid face.
6.2 Install full size panels by inserting the springs onto the grid face.
6.3 Verify alignment of the Clip-In panels by pulling a string along the length of the ceiling, then check Clip-In panel alignment.
6.4 Clip-In panel removal or access to the plenum is achieved by inserting a wire into the access hole to release the swing clip. The panel will release and can be removed from the suspension grid. The system will allow access to the plenum through all panels. A special removal tool is not required for insertion into the access hole.
1
Lift adjacent panel
2
Lift swing clip #417 corner splice plate #414 splice plate
5.5 Connect straight sections of perimeter trim with #414 splice plates and mitered corners with #417 Corner splice plates (pre-bent) as needed.
Insert tool

Installation Instructions
7.1 Follow these instructions for installations in areas with the potential for severe seismic activity. (International
Building Code-IBC Seismic Design Categories D, E or F)
7.2 Cut the opposite ends of each row of main tees and one end of each row of cross tees so that they align with the
3/4” visible mark on the #1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip then place a screw in the center hole of #1496 SP Clip.
This will ensure that the grid can slide 3/4” in the #1496
SP Clip.
7.3 The #1496 SP Clip can also be replaced by pop riveting the face of the grid to the wall angle. The ends of the grid must still be cut back 3/4” so that they can slide in the
#1496 SP Clip at the opposite end of the grid component.
7.4 Please be sure to follow all other building code require ments for seismic installations.
SpanAir ™ Clip-In Panel
Ceiling Systems and Specialty Products - USA and Canada: 800.323.7164 / Fax: 800.222.3744 / chicagometallic.com
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Literature Disclaimer: Presentations in this submittal or any other Chicago Metallic Corporation publication are correct to the best of our knowledge at time of preparation. We provide this information in an advisory capacity only. Any advisory recommendations given in our publications must be modified to conform with local codes, conditions and specifications. User must verify the current code requirements and installation practices with the Authority Having
Jurisdiction. We reserve all rights to ammend any information published in our literature without additional notice. Chicago Metallic can not be held responsible or liable for the selection nor application of our products.