TIL running cat6 over drop ceiling grid instead of through it saves hours

Used to cut holes and fish through every time. Took forever and made a mess. My buddy showed me just laying it on top of the grid tiles and zip tying to the supports. Done a dozen jobs this way since January. Way faster and no patching drywall. Anyone else do this or am I gonna get called out on inspection someday?

2 comments

2 Comments

jamesmason3d ago

Jumping off what you said about inspections - I've actually had a fire marshal flag this exact setup once. The issue wasn't the cable itself but the zip ties. If they're not the right type, the fire rating gets thrown out and they can make you redo everything. I switched to using those little J-hooks with the snap-in tops instead, costs a bit more but never had a problem since. Also, if the grid isn't secured tight and you lay too much cable on it, the tiles can sag or shift over time which looks like crap.

ryan_carr592d ago

Yeah zip ties with the wrong rating will absolutely screw you. Found that out the hard way on a church job.