Mark :
You should probably check with someone who is familiar with the local
codes, as it varies widely from area to area (or even one municipality to
another). Try calling city hall and asking for the building inspector's
office.
I believe around here (Torrance, CA), you are supposed to cover the surface
above the lighting (ie the underside of the next story's ceiling) with a
double layer of sheetrock (other materials, like an extra thick sheetrock,
may also be acceptable). The lighting fixtures are probably not rated as a
firestop.
A 'box' around the lighting fixture would probably also be OK, if it was
thick enough, and went over the top.
Randall
On Wednesday, June 09, 1999 3:19 PM, Mark Gendron
[SMTP:mister_toad@email.msn.com] wrote:
>
> I am planning to remodel my garage, which is located in the basement
(common
> in Seattle). I want to install fluorescent lighting; because of the low
> ceiling height, I want the lighting to be flush with the ceiling. I
believe
> I can locate fixtures between the joists (2x10's), and mount plastic
> diffuser flush with the ceiling.
> However, I need to maintain fire resistance throughout the entire
ceiling. I
> believe I could address this by sheetrocking the space between the joists
> where each light fixture would be located, creating a "box" to contain
the
> fixture. Is this a correct approach?
> How far apart should the fixtures be located to provide adequate shop
> lighting?
> Thanks
> -mg
>
>
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