Overview of Ceiling Mount Speaker Hardware

Many students struggle with some type of hearing loss that may affect their ability to learn. A sound amplification system can lessen the effect that the hearing loss has on the student. Background noise and poor acoustics within a classroom can also be detrimental to a classroom's learning environment. A sound amplification system can help the teacher overcome this noise and ensure that the lesson is the main focus of the students. These reasons, among others, underscore the need for audio amplification within the classroom.

Dropped Ceiling Track Clips

Dropped ceiling track clips are designed to mount a speaker on dropped ceiling tracks that support the ceiling tiles. These clips are easy to install and typically do not require any additional mounting hardware. Track clips are designed to support light-weight speakers, typically 2 - 5lbs. Mounting a speaker that is too heavy for the track clip may result in the speaker clip breaking, allowing the speaker to fall from the ceiling and potentially cause serious injury. It is important to consult the track clip manufacturer's recommendation for maximum speaker weight before mounting a speaker with track clips.

Support Bridge

A speaker support bridge mounts above a dropped ceiling and is supported by both the dropped ceiling tracks and support wires secured to the building's structure. This extra support allows a heavier speaker to be mounted to the support bridge. Typical installs with this type of mount require that a hole be cut in the ceiling tile and a separate cosmetic cover be used for aesthetics. This style of mount will typically support a maximum speaker weight of 40 - 50lbs. Mounting a speaker that is too heavy for the support bridge may result in the support bridge and speaker falling from the ceiling, potentially causing serious injury. It is important to consult the speaker bridge manufacturer's recommendation for maximum speaker weight before mounting a speaker with a support bridge. Some installations may require that the speaker meet plenum requirements. An additional enclosure for the speaker may be needed to meet this requirement. Consult the support bridge manufacturer for availability of this additional enclosure.

Mounting Rings

Mounting rings are designed to mount a speaker within a wall or a ceiling. The mounting ring may be designed to be supported by drywall only, or it may include additional tabs designed to be secured to the studs within a wall or ceiling. How the mounting ring is secured will ultimately determine the maximum speaker weight the ring is capable of supporting. This style of mount will typically support a maximum speaker weight of 5 - 10lbs. Mounting a speaker that is too heavy for the mounting ring may result in the mounting ring and speaker falling from the ceiling or wall potentially, causing serious injury. It is important to consult the mounting ring manufacturer's recommendation for maximum speaker weight before mounting a speaker with a mounting ring. Some installations may require that the speaker meet an in-wall or plenum rating requirement. An additional enclosure for the speaker may be needed to meet this requirement. Consult the mounting ring manufacturer for availability of this additional enclosure.

Selecting the proper speaker mount should be based upon the two key factors of maximum supported weight, and the potential fire rating requirements of the mounting location that has been determined by local fire or building codes. Mounting a speaker that is too heavy for the chosen mount may result in the speaker falling which may cause damage to the equipment or, more importantly, serious injury to a student or faculty member. Mounting a speaker in a wall or ceiling may place that speaker in an environment that has specific fire rating requirements such as a plenum or in-wall rating. Many speaker mount manufacturers offer mounts that are specifically designed for environments that require these fire ratings. Following these requirements when installing the speakers will avoid the potential of serious injury or death in the event of a building fire. Taking these important factors into consideration when mounting a speaker will contribute to the classroom being a safe environment for students and faculty.

Summary

 

	Dropped Ceiling Track Clips	Support Bridge	Mounting Rings
Weight Supported	2-5 lbs	40-50 lbs	5-10 lbs
Mounting Location	Dropped Ceiling Track (External)	Dropped Ceiling Track (Internal), Ceiling Studs	Drywall, Wall/Ceiling Studs
Material	Plastic/Metal	Metal	Plastic/Metal
Additional Requirements	N/A	Speaker Cover, Support Wires, Plenum Cover	​​​​​​​Nails/Screws, Drywall Mud