Chief CMA440 Above-Tile Suspended Ceiling Kit — Installation Instructions

Installation instructions for the Chief CMA440 Above-Tile Suspended Ceiling Kit — designed to support a projector/display extension column mounted above an existing suspended ceiling tile, along with a single or double UL-listed electrical receptacle.

Important Notes

• The CMA440 is designed for installation above an existing suspended ceiling tile.
• It supports a single UL Listed electrical receptacle, a double UL Listed electrical receptacle, or both.
• Accommodates a 1-1/2" NPT or NPSM threaded extension column (not included), per ANSI/ASME B1.20.1 (Schedule 40, 0.154" minimum thickness steel or aluminum — ASTM B221).

Safety Warnings

• Do not use outdoors. Never operate this mounting system if damaged — return it to a service center for examination and repair.
• The structure this component is attached to must support five times the combined weight of all attached equipment. Reinforce the structure as needed before installation.
• The combined weight of all components attached to the CMA440 must not exceed 50 lbs (22.68 kg). Weight capacity may be limited by the lowest-rated component between the CMA440 and the supporting structure.

Tools Required

1/4" wrench, 5/32" drill bit, 5/16" wrench, #2 Phillips screwdriver.

Parts Included

• Ceiling tray (A) — 1
• 1/8" x 10' safety cable (B) — 1
• 14-gauge, 20' support wire (C) — 1
• Wire clamps (D) — 2
• 1-1/2" NPT chrome plate ring (E) — 1
• Ceiling mount plate bracket (F) — 1
• Center bolt bracket (G) — 1
• 10-24 x 5/8" screws (H) — 4
• 1/4-20 wing nuts (J) — 4
• 3/16" flat washers (K) — 4
• 1/4" x 2" tie wire anchors (L) — 4
• 1-5/16" eye lag screws (M) — 4
• Turnbuckles (N) — 4

Installation Overview

1. Select mounting location based on the display/projector's dimensional offset relative to the column, and any projector-specific target distance requirements.
2. Site preparation: Remove adjacent ceiling tiles for access (don't remove the tile affected by the extension column itself). Assemble the ceiling plate bracket and center bolt bracket to the ceiling tray with wing nuts and washers, then lay the tray on top of the ceiling tile, aligned with your chosen mounting location.
3. Mark and cut: Mark the extension column hole location and (optionally) an electrical cutout on the tile. Cut the extension column hole at least 2" (51mm) in diameter. Examine the structure above the tray (concrete, steel truss, or wood) to identify four support wire anchor locations (each ~15° outboard of the corresponding hanger bracket) and one safety cable anchor location directly above the tray's center.
4. Mount the ceiling tray to the ceiling track using the included screws — installation differs slightly for SAE vs. metric hole patterns (see full PDF for diagrams). Hook the turnbuckles into the holes on the sides of the tray.
5. Install support wires: Method varies by ceiling structure type:
   • Solid concrete: Drill 1/4" x 1-3/8" deep holes at least 2-1/2" from any concrete edge, tap in anchors, set them by pulling out ~1/4", then twist support wire through each anchor at least 4 full turns.
   • Wood: Drill 5/32" x 2" deep holes (wood must be at least 1-1/2" thick with 3-1/2" minimum depth), fully thread eye lag screws into the holes, then twist support wire through each eye at least 4 full turns.
   • Steel truss: Route the support wire directly over the truss at each marked location and twist it tightly around itself at least 4 full turns.
6. Connect wires to turnbuckles: Insert each support wire through the eye of its corresponding turnbuckle, twist tight (4+ turns), then adjust turnbuckles until the tray is evenly supported by all four wires — not so tight that it distorts the ceiling framework.
7. Install the safety cable to a steel truss structure (or a concrete/wood anchor if no truss is available) at the marked location, routing and securing it per the distance from the tray (methods differ for <4 ft, 4–7 ft, and >7 ft ceiling heights — see full PDF for exact routing).
8. Install the extension column: Thread the 1-1/2" NPT/NPSM extension column (not included) into the extension column support until tight, with a minimum of four threads engaged. Use the included 1-1/2" chrome plate ring for a finished look.
9. Reinstall any remaining ceiling tiles.

Key Dimensions

Full detailed dimension diagrams for all mounting hole positions are in the downloadable PDF.

Manufacturer

Chief Manufacturing, a Milestone AV Technologies products division. USA/International: 800.582.6480. Document 8800-002513 Rev00.