Installation Guide

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www.ceilume.com
Revised May 2018
05
Cut the opening in the ceiling tile at least 0.25 in. larger than the outer diameter of the
sprinkler head or trim ring/escutcheon (whichever is larger). This enables the tile to fall
from the ceiling grid without becoming entangled with the sprinkler or interfering with its
operation.
or
Use a 0.030 in. thick Signature style panel backed by a mineral ber ceiling panel at
each sprinkler penetration. This holds the tile in place and keeps it insulated, preventing
it from interfering with sprinkler operation.
Never use a restraining-type trim ring/escutcheon at a sprinkler penetration without an
appropriately sized tile opening or mineral ber ceiling panel backer.
Drop-out Ceiling Panels Beneath Sprinklers
All of Ceilume’s 0.013 in. thick Feather-Light ceiling panels and two 0.030 in. thick Signature styles
(Oxford and Fleur-de-lis) are suitable for installation beneath re sprinklers in Light Hazard and
Ordinary Hazard Group I occupancies. When exposed to heat from a developing re, these drop-out
ceiling panels soften, distort, and fall from the ceiling grid. Heat from the growing re activates the
sprinkler which, unimpeded by the panels, controls or extinguishes the re.
All Feather-Light panels, Oxford, and Fleur-de-lis, are suitable for use beneath Standard Response
(SR) sprinkler systems rated with an activation temperature of 165°F or above, where allowed by
local safety authorities. See IAPMO ER-310.
Additionally, all Feather-Light styles are suitable for use beneath Quick Response (QR) and Standard
Response (SR) sprinkler systems rated with an activation temperature of 155°F or above, where
allowed by local safety authorities. See IAPMO ER-310.
Grid tape/strips have not been tested for use in drop-out installations, though there is no mechanical
reason that their use, when installed properly, would aect the panels’ ability to drop from your grid.
Drop-out installations must use grid that provides up to a 3/8 in. horizontal edge support on
all four sides and has a loading bearing capacity of no less than 16 lbs. per lineal foot, OR be
rated as Heavy Duty Grid per ASTM C635.
Consult with your local building and re ocials to make sure that your intended use will
conform with the appropriate local codes.