1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover suspended ceiling grid low voltage/extra-low voltage systems and equipment intended for installation and use in accordance with the:

In Canada:

Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, CSA C22.1,

In the United States:

National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.

1.2 The suspended ceiling grid low voltage/extra-low voltage systems covered by this standard are intended to be installed as a suspended ceiling grid that provides mechanical support for the ceiling tiles and provides electrical connections between the low voltage/extra-low voltage power supply and the low voltage/extra-low voltage equipment. The low voltage/extra-low voltage system consists of the following components:

a)    An isolating type low voltage/extra-low voltage power supply with output(s) operating at 30 V (42.4 V peak) or less and not exceeding Class 2 power limits,

b)    A grid rail power distribution system to provide power from the Class 2 power supply to one or more pieces of Class 2 powered equipment, and

c)    Class 2 powered equipment that is electrically connected to the suspended ceiling grid low voltage/extra-low voltage system.

1.3 The suspended ceiling grid low voltage/extra-low voltage system is intended to be permanently connected, for indoor dry locations, and installed in accordance with the following requirements:

In Canada:

Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, CSA C22.1, and the National Building Code of Canada.

In the United States:

National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70, the International Building Code (IBC), and the International Mechanical Code (IMC).

This standard also covers suspended ceiling grid low voltage/extra-low voltage systems intended for use in air-handling spaces.

1.4 This standard does not address any supplemental or alternative requirements for suspended ceiling grid low voltage/extra-low voltage systems intended for use in:

In Canada:

a)    Hazardous locations as specified in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, CSA C22.1;

b)    General patient care areas or critical patient care areas as defined by Section 24 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, CSA C22.1; or

c)    Emergency systems as defined by Section 46 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, CSA C22.1.

In the United States:

a)    Hazardous locations as specified in the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70;

b)    General patient care areas or critical patient care areas as defined by Article 517 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70; or

c)    Emergency systems as defined by Article 700 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.

1.5 This standard does not evaluate the suspended ceiling grid low voltage/extra-low voltage system for seismic requirements in accordance with the:

In Canada:

National Building Code of Canada.

In the United States:

International Building Code (IBC).

1.6 This standard does not evaluate the suspended ceiling grid low voltage/extra-low voltage systems for fire resistance.

Summary of Topics

This new Second Edition of ANSI/CAN/UL 2577 dated August 21, 2024 incorporates editorial changes including renumbering and reformatting to align with current style.