Drop Ceiling Return Air Plenum

Long story short my company was asked to move several ducts in order to install a higher drop ceiling.

Drop ceiling return air plenum.

However some drop ceiling designs create a. The way i interpret that is while the plenum edge can have exposed wood wood framing can t extend into the plenum such as a partition wall extending above the ceiling to the lid with the drywall stopping just above the ceiling. The return air drop assembly is designed for the return air drop assembly is designed for up flow applications with side mount assembly and includes an exterior easy to access filter rack for a 1 in. A plenum space is a part of a building that can facilitate air circulation for heating and air conditioning systems by providing pathways for either heated conditioned or return airflows usually at greater than atmospheric pressure.

Space between the structural ceiling and the dropped ceiling or under a raised floor is typically considered plenum. This is most common in commercial buildings schools hospitals or libraries. The space above a ceiling is often used as a return air plenum in many types of commercial buildings meaning exhaust air from the room below is moved from the space through the plenum and then to ductwork leading to the central hvac system. The space above the ceiling is not used as a return air plenum.

Concrete slab ceiling above drop ceiling which is around 20 of store floor space and contacts only one 4 block. 602 2 of imc would allow plenum enclosure to be made of wood in this case because the building can be constructed with exposed wood framing. Since air will always take the path of least resistance removing all or part of the dropped ceiling and reducing the plenum area can create unique pressure and return airflow patterns which can vary on a daily weekly and seasonal basis and are usually at their worst when the air handling system is economizer mode taking in larger. Hi all curious of any and all opinions about using drop ceiling as a return air plenum.