ASTM C636/C636M-19

Standard Practice for Installation of Metal Ceiling Suspension Systems for<brk/> Acoustical Tile and Lay-In Panels

ABSTRACT
This practice covers the standard procedures for the installation of metal ceiling suspension systems for acoustical tile and lay-in panels. Here, specifications are provided for the installation of individual components such as hangers, carrying channels, main runners, cross runners, splines, assembly devices, and ceiling fixtures. Specifications are also given for possible interference of ceiling related components, and the lighting and appearance.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the installation of suspension systems for acoustical tile and lay-in panels. It is applicable to contractors whose services are utilized for installing acoustical ceilings and to other trades if their activities are responsible for interference with ceiling components or performance as defined in this recommended practice.  
1.2 While the practices described in this document have equal application to fire-resistive suspension systems, many systems impose additional requirements to obtain the fire endurance classification of particular floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies. These details are available from the listing agency and from the manufacturers.  
1.3 Similarly, additional detailing is often necessary to meet sound attenuation requirements when ceiling plenums extend over contiguous rooms. Obtain these from the manufacturer of the acoustical material employed.  
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.5 While many of the practices described in this practice have application to the installation of metal suspension systems in exterior environments, the specific design of exterior ceiling installations requires the review and approval of the architect or engineer, or both, who are responsible for the construction of the building or modifications to an existing building. While recommendations from the manufacturer are solicited, it remains the final responsibility of the architect/engineer to ensure proper application of the materials in question.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2019
• ICS: 91.120.20 - Acoustics in building. Sound insulation
• Technical Committee: E33 - Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Drafting Committee: E33.04 - Application of Acoustical Materials and Systems

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C636/C636M-13 - Standard Practice for Installation of Metal Ceiling Suspension Systems for<brk/> Acoustical Tile and Lay-In Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM E3118/E3118M-22 - Standard Test Methods to Evaluate Seismic Performance of Suspended Ceiling Systems by Full-Scale Dynamic Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM C634-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019

Overview

ASTM C636/C636M-19 sets the standard practice for the installation of metal ceiling suspension systems for acoustical tile and lay-in panels. This widely recognized ASTM standard provides essential guidelines for contractors, architects, and engineers concerning the correct installation methods for a variety of components, including hangers, main runners, cross runners, splines, assembly devices, and fixtures. These procedures help achieve optimal performance, safety, and aesthetics in suspended ceiling systems for both residential and commercial projects.

In addition, the standard addresses how to manage potential interferences with other trades, details considerations for lighting and appearance, and clarifies unit usage (SI or inch-pound) to ensure compliance and consistency.

Key Topics

• Component Installation Requirements
  • Proper attachment of hangers to wood or concrete structures
  • Precise spacing for hangers, carrying channels, main runners, and cross runners
  • Secure preparation and installation techniques for wire hangers and other support devices
• Leveling and Alignment
  • Tolerances for leveling main runners and carrying channels to ensure a uniform ceiling surface
  • Practices for forming tight and secure wire loops, avoiding vertical movement or rotation
• Ceiling Fixture Integration
  • Guidelines for supporting fixtures without overloading or distorting suspension systems
  • Use of supplemental hangers or accessory devices for heavier or eccentrically loaded fixtures
• Interference and Coordination
  • Procedures for identifying and communicating potential interference with other trades during ceiling installation
  • Steps for ongoing reporting and resolution of interference issues as construction progresses
• Aesthetic Considerations
  • Recommendations for managing the appearance and lighting effects of installed ceilings
  • Use of beveled tiles, recessed or flush-mounted lighting fixtures, and diffused natural light to maintain ceiling aesthetics
• Inspection Protocols
  • Inspection methods under final occupancy lighting for evaluating ceiling installation quality

Applications

ASTM C636/C636M-19 is essential for:

• Suspended Acoustical Ceilings: Guiding the installation of acoustical tile and lay-in panel systems in offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, and retail spaces.
• Fire-Resistive Assemblies: Providing the baseline for installing rated fire-resistive ceiling assemblies, in conjunction with additional requirements from listing agencies and manufacturers.
• Sound Attenuation Projects: Supporting designs where ceiling plenums extend over contiguous rooms and require additional sound-reducing detailing.
• New Construction and Renovation: Assisting professionals in both new builds and retrofit projects involving the modification or replacement of suspended metal ceiling systems.
• Quality Assurance Inspections: Serving as a reference standard for construction inspectors reviewing ceiling systems for code compliance and proper installation.

Related Standards

Professionals using ASTM C636/C636M-19 may also find value in referencing:

• ASTM C635/C635M - Standard Specification for Manufacture, Performance, and Testing of Metal Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-In Panels
• ASTM E84 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• ASTM E90 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
• ASTM E1414 - Standard Test Method for Airborne Sound Attenuation Between Rooms Sharing a Common Ceiling Plenum
• Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions - For details on fire-resistive or sound-attenuating systems as specified by the ceiling system supplier

By following ASTM C636/C636M-19, industry professionals can ensure that metal ceiling suspension systems are installed safely, perform as intended, and meet the desired standards of quality and appearance in a wide range of environments.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C636/C636M − 19
Standard Practice for
Installation of Metal Ceiling Suspension Systems for
Acoustical Tile and Lay-In Panels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C636/C636M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.1 This practice covers the installation of suspension sys-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
tems for acoustical tile and lay-in panels. It is applicable to
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
contractors whose services are utilized for installing acoustical
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ceilings and to other trades if their activities are responsible for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
interference with ceiling components or performance as de-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
fined in this recommended practice.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 While the practices described in this document have
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
equal application to fire-resistive suspension systems, many
2. Installation of Components
systems impose additional requirements to obtain the fire
endurance classification of particular floor-ceiling or roof-
2.1 Hangers:
ceiling assemblies. These details are available from the listing
2.1.1 Where acoustical ceilings are suspended from a struc-
agency and from the manufacturers.
ture of wood construction, attach hangers with suitable me-
chanical devices either to the bottom edge of the wood joists or
1.3 Similarly, additional detailing is often necessary to meet
to the vertical face of the wood joists near the bottom edge.
sound attenuation requirements when ceiling plenums extend
Holding power tests certified by the manufacturer must be
over contiguous rooms. Obtain these from the manufacturer of
available on request for bottom edge attachment devices.
the acoustical material employed.
2.1.2 Where acoustical ceilings are suspended from a struc-
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
ture of concrete construction, mount hangers using cast-in-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
place hanger wires, hanger inserts, or other hanger attachment
each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system
devices whose suitability has been demonstrated by standard
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
construction practice or by certified test data.
from the two systems result in non-conformance with the
2.1.3 Space hangers for carrying channels or main runners 4
standard.
ft 0 in. [1200 mm] on centers. If local situations allow greater
1.5 While many of the practices described in this practice
center distances between hangers, reduce the load-carrying
have application to the installation of metal suspension systems
capacity of the ceiling suspension system commensurate with
in exterior environments, the specific design of exterior ceiling
the actual center-to-center hanger distances used. If local
installations requires the review and approval of the architect
situations allow lesser center distances between hangers, in-
or engineer, or both, who are responsible for the construction
crease the load-carrying capacity of the ceiling suspension
of the building or modifications to an existing building. While
system commensurate with the actual center-to-center hanger
recommendations from the manufacturer are solicited, it re-
distances used.
mainsthefinalresponsibilityofthearchitect/engineertoensure
2.1.4 Each suspension wire shall not hang more than one in
proper application of the materials in question.
six out of plumb unless a countersloping wire or horizontal
bracing is provided. See Fig. 1 for allowable countersloping
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
methods. Suspension wires shall not press against ducts or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
pipes.
2.1.5 Hangers formed from galvanized sheet metal stock
shall be suitable for suspending carrying channels or main
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on Building
and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
runners from an existing structure provided that the hangers do
E33.04 on Application of Acoustical Materials and Systems.
not yield, twist, or undergo other objectionable movement.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally
2.1.6 Wire hangers for suspending carrying channels or
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as C636/C636M – 13.
DOI: 10.1520/C0636_C0636M-19. main runners from an existing structure shall be prepared from
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C636/C636M − 19
FIG. 1 Allowable Countersloping Methods
a minimum of No. 12-gage [2.70 mm] galvanized, soft- 2.1.7 In some installations hanger wires are secured to
annealed, mild steel wire. special attachment devices that support the carrying channels
C636/C636M − 19
or main runners. Such attachment devices shall have certified levelnessfrommeasurementstakenbelowhangerpoints.Make
load test data from an independent test laboratory and shall be the measurements after completion of the ceiling installations
capable of carrying five times the design load.
but prior to building occupancy.
2.3.2 Where main runners are supported directly by
2.2 Carrying Channels:
hangers, perform leveling with the supporting hanger taut to
2.2.1 Install the carrying channels so that they are all level
prevent any subsequent downward movement of the main
to within ⁄8 in. in 12 ft [3.2 mm in 3600 mm].
runners when the ceiling loads are imposed.
2.2.2 Perform leveling with the supporting hangers taut to
prevent any subsequent downward movement of the carrying
2.3.3 Localkinksorbendsshallnotbemadeinhangerwires
channels when the ceiling loads are imposed.
as a means of leveling main runners.
2.2.3 Localkinksorbendsshallnotbemadeinhangerwires
2.3.4 In installations where hanger wires are wrapped
as a means of leveling carrying channels.
through or around main runners, the wire loops shall be tightly
2.2.4 In installations where hanger wires are wrapped
wrapped and sharply bent to prevent any vertical movement or
around carrying channels, the wire loops shall be tightly
rotation of the member within the loops. The wire must be
formed to prevent any vertical movement or rotation of the
wrapped around itself a minimum of three full turns (360°
member within the loop.
each) within a 3-in [75 mm]. length. For safety purposes, the
2.3 M
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C636/C636M − 13 C636/C636M − 19
Standard Practice for
Installation of Metal Ceiling Suspension Systems for
Acoustical Tile and Lay-In Panels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C636/C636M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the installation of suspension systems for acoustical tile and lay-in panels. It is applicable to contractors
whose services are utilized for installing acoustical ceilings and to other trades if their activities are responsible for interference
with ceiling components or performance as defined in this recommended practice.
1.2 While the practices described in this document have equal application to rated fire-resistive suspension systems, additional
requirements may have been imposed many systems impose additional requirements to obtain the fire endurance classification of
particular floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies. These details should be obtained from the are available from the listing agency
and from the manufacturers.
1.3 Similarly, additional detailing may beis often necessary to meet sound attenuation requirements when ceiling plenums
extend over contiguous rooms. These, too, should be obtained Obtain these from the manufacturer of the acoustical material
employed.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system mayare not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from
the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.5 While many of the practices described in this practice have application to the installation of metal suspension systems in
exterior environments, the specific design of exterior ceiling installations requires the review and approval of the architect or
engineer, or both, who are responsible for the construction of the building or modifications to an existing building. While
recommendations from the manufacturer should be are solicited, it remains the final responsibility of the architect/engineer to
ensure proper application of the materials in question.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Installation of Components
2.1 Hangers:
2.1.1 Where acoustical ceilings are suspended from a structure of wood construction, attach hangers with suitable mechanical
devices either to the bottom edge of the wood joists or to the vertical face of the wood joists near the bottom edge. Holding power
tests certified by the manufacturer must be available on request for bottom edge attachment devices.
2.1.2 Where acoustical ceilings are suspended from a structure of concrete construction, mount hangers using cast-in-place
hanger wires, hanger inserts, or other hanger attachment devices whose suitability has been demonstrated by standard construction
practice or by certified test data.
2.1.3 Space hangers for carrying channels or main runners 4 ft 0 in. [1200 mm] on centers. If local situations allow greater
center distances between hangers, reduce the load-carrying capacity of the ceiling suspension system commensurate with the actual
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E33.04 on
Application of Acoustical Materials and Systems.
Current edition approved April 1, 2013April 1, 2019. Published May 2013May 2019. Originally approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 20082013 as
C636 – 08.C636/C636M – 13. DOI: 10.1520/C0636_C0636M-13.10.1520/C0636_C0636M-19.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C636/C636M − 19
center-to-center hanger distances used. If local situations allow lesser center distances between hangers, increase the load-carrying
capacity of the ceiling suspension system commensurate with the actual center-to-center hanger distances used.
2.1.4 Each suspension wire shall not hang more than one in six out of plumb unless a countersloping wire or horizontal bracing
is provided. See Fig. 1 for allowable countersloping methods. Suspension wires shouldshall not press against ducts or pipes.
2.1.5 Hangers formed from galvanized sheet metal stock shall be suitable for suspending carrying channels or main runners
from an existing structure provided that the hangers do not yield, twist, or undergo other objectionable movement.
2.1.6 Wire hangers for suspending carrying channels or main runners from an existing structure shall be prepared from a
minimum of No. 12-gage [2.70 mm] galvanized, soft-annealed, mild steel wire.
2.1.7 In some installations hanger wires are secured to special attachment devices that support the carrying channels or main
runners. Such attachment devices shall have certified load test data from an independent test laboratory and shall be capable of
carrying five times the design load.
2.2 Carrying Channels:
2.2.1 Install the carrying channels so that they are all level to within ⁄8 in. in 12 ft [3.2 mm in 3600 mm].
2.2.2 Perform leveling with the supporting hangers taut to prevent any subsequent downward movement of the carrying
channels when the ceiling loads are imposed.
2.2.3 Local kinks or bends shall not be made in hanger wires as a means of leveling carrying channels.
2.2.4 In installations where hanger wires are wrapped around carrying channels, the wire loops shall be tightly formed to prevent
any vertical movement or rotation of the member within the loop.
2.3 Main Runners:
2.3.1 Install main runners so that they are all level to within ⁄4 in. in 10 ft [6 mm in 3000 mm]. Determine evaluation of
levelness from measurements taken below hanger points. Make the measurements after completion of the ceiling installations but
prior to building occupancy.
2.3.2 Where main runners are supported directly by hangers, perform leveling with the supporting hanger taut to prevent any
subsequent downward movement of the main runners when the ceiling loads are imposed.
2.3.3 Local kinks or bends shall not be made in hanger wires as a means of leveling main runners.
2.3.4 In installations where hanger wires are wrapped through or around main runners, the wire loops shall be tightly wrapped
and sharply bent to prevent any vertical movement or rotation of the member within the loops
...