Hey guys,

I've got a question for the experts, I'm finishing my basement and putting in a suspended ceiling. Can someone tell me if it's OK to run Romex to the recessed lights I'm putting in with the ceiling, or do I need to place j-boxes on the joists above with Romex between them supported through the joists and then drop down to each fixture with an AC or MC cable whip? Right now, I'm leaning towards the j-box / MC cable method, because it seems cleaner, but I thought I'd ask before I go to the additional expense.

Also, I'm assuming the recessed fixtures need to be IC rated since there is insulation and bare joints directly above and not a layer of drywall. Correct?

Thanks,

-Don.

Assuming this is either a one or two family dwelling in the USA, then yes you can use Romex above a suspended ceiling, as this is an exception that NEC allows to the new general rule.

The National Electric Code 2005 edition does not allow Romex above a suspended ceiling, in any building other than one or two family dwellings.

You can use Romex in the walls, if the building category allows, but if the cable needs to go into the ceiling plenum, at that point the cable enters the ceiling space you would need to change over to metal BX or MC cable.

Some states,well at least one that I know of, has taken exception to this rule, and allows Romex above drop ceilings in all buildings that allow non-metallic cable.

So, you can either follow the NEC, or check with you local or state code to see if they took exception to this rule.

You will not need a junction box at each recess fixture, and can wire fixture to fixture, as long as the recess fixture housing is rated for "Thru Feed" wiring, which most commonly available recess fixtures are rated for.

Having a JB and a whip at each fixture is fine, just a bit more costly, and not necessary.

IC rated fixtures mean that the insulation, and wood joists, can be in direct contact with the housing, such as a fixture installed into a ceiling with an attic above, and there is insulation covering the housing.

So, if you use non IC rated housings, then insulation and wood framing members must be at least 3 inches away.

Use the IC rated fixtures, even if you can get away with non IC rated,as they are much more popular nowadays, and the prices are very reasonable.