Quick answer
For most overhead runs above a drop ceiling, we recommend the HPH J-Hook, Standard (HPH32-25), sold 25 to a box. It is a 2 inch hook, cULus Listed to UL 2043 (the fire test for products installed in air-handling spaces), and rated for a 50 lb ultimate static load.
J-hooks compared
| Hook | Price | Part | Line | Size | Sold as | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPH J-Hook, Standard | $123.87 | HPH32-25 | HPH | 2 in | Box of 25 | Most ceiling runs, including air-handling spaces |
| HPH J-Hook, Batwing | $165.44 | HPH32W-25 | HPH | 2 in | Box of 25 | Hanging from 12 gauge ceiling wire or 1/4 in threaded rod |
| HPH J-Hook, 90-Degree | $119.86 | HPH32AC-25 | HPH | 2 in | Box of 25 | Fastening through its 90-degree bracket's 1/4 in hole |
| Side Mount Magnet HPH J-Hook | $146.87 | HPH32MH-10 | HPH | 2 in | Box of 10 | Steel structure |
| Standard J-Hook, 2 in | $104.02 | JH32-25 | Standard | 2 in | Box of 25 | Crews who prefer an all-steel hook |
| Batwing J-Hook, 2 in | $129.46 | JH32W-25 | Standard | 2 in | Box of 25 | Same steel hook, hung from 12 gauge ceiling wire or 1/4 in threaded rod |
| 90-Degree Angled J-Hook, 2 in | $126.28 | JH32AC-25 | Standard | 2 in | Box of 25 | Same steel hook, fastened through its 90-degree bracket's 1/4 in hole |
| 90-Degree Angled Clip J-Hook, 1-5/16 in | $110.10 | JH21AC-25 | Standard | 1-5/16 in | Box of 25 | Small bundles |
Every hook on this list is 2 inch except the 1-5/16 inch angled clip hook. The four HPH hooks are cULus Listed to UL 2043. The 50 lb ultimate static load is the rating for the HPH J-Hook, Standard; we do not quote it for the other three HPH hooks.
The two decisions: which line, then which shape
HPH or standard
The HPH line is the one we recommend first for ceilings that are also air-handling spaces. UL 2043 is the fire test for discrete products installed in air-handling spaces, and the HPH hooks carry a cULus listing to it. The HPH J-Hook, Standard is also rated for a 50 lb ultimate static load.
The standard line is Platinum's other J-hook family. The Standard J-Hook, 2 in is all-steel. Choose it if your crew or your spec calls for a steel hook.
Which shape
Both lines come in more than one shape: standard, batwing and 90-degree, plus a magnet side-mount hook in the HPH line and a smaller 1-5/16 inch angled clip hook in the standard line. The shape decides how the hook fastens:
- Batwing (HPH32W-25, JH32W-25): the batwing clip takes 12 gauge ceiling wire or 1/4 in threaded rod.
- 90-degree (HPH32AC-25, JH32AC-25): a 90-degree angle bracket with a 1/4 in hole.
- Magnet (HPH32MH-10): holds to steel by magnet.
Our picks, and who each one is for
HPH J-Hook, Standard (HPH32-25): the default for ceiling runs
The HPH J-Hook, Standard is the hook we would put on most office and commercial ceiling runs. It is 2 inch, comes 25 to a box, and carries the cULus listing to UL 2043 with a 50 lb ultimate static load.
What it does not do: it does not make an install pass inspection by itself. Spacing, independent support and the cable's own rating decide that. Our J-hook spacing guide covers the spacing.
HPH J-Hook, Batwing (HPH32W-25) and HPH J-Hook, 90-Degree (HPH32AC-25)
The HPH Batwing and the HPH 90-Degree are the same 2 inch HPH hook in two other shapes, each 25 to a box. Buy the batwing to hang hooks from 12 gauge ceiling wire or 1/4 in threaded rod. Buy the 90-degree for a bracket with a 1/4 in hole. Both carry the cULus listing to UL 2043.
Side Mount Magnet HPH J-Hook (HPH32MH-10): steel structure
The Side Mount Magnet HPH J-Hook is the HPH hook on a magnet, sold 10 to a box. It is for runs along steel beams and steel deck where you would rather not drill or clamp. It only works on steel the magnet can hold to.
Standard J-Hook, 2 in (JH32-25): the all-steel hook
The Standard J-Hook, 2 in is all-steel and comes 25 to a box. The Batwing J-Hook, 2 in and the 90-Degree Angled J-Hook, 2 in are the same line in other shapes, also 25 to a box.
90-Degree Angled Clip J-Hook, 1-5/16 in (JH21AC-25): small bundles
The 90-Degree Angled Clip J-Hook is the only hook in our catalog smaller than 2 inch. It comes 25 to a box. Use it for small bundles where a 2 inch hook is more than the run needs. Leave room in the hook for cable added later.
Two items that go with J-hooks
- Xtender Pole 12 ft (JH712): a 12 ft, three-section pole for setting J-hooks and wire overhead from the floor, for ceilings up to 18 ft. It is an overhead install pole, not a tool for fishing cable inside walls.
- Magnet Mount (MAG420-10): a rare earth magnet mount with a 1/4-20 threaded socket for HPH J-hooks and bridle rings, 10 per box.
J-hooks we do not sell
nVent Caddy CableCat and Panduit J-Pro are two other J-hook lines you will see named in project specs. We do not sell either. If your spec names one of them, follow the spec.
How to choose
- Ceiling type. If the ceiling space is used for air handling, start with the HPH line and its UL 2043 listing.
- What you fasten to. Ceiling wire or threaded rod: the batwing. A bracket with a 1/4 in hole: the 90-degree. Bare steel: the magnet hook.
- Bundle size. Most of our hooks are 2 inch. Use the 1-5/16 inch hook only for small bundles. Size the hook so the bundle is not packed tight, with room left for cable added later.
- Quantity. Most hooks come 25 to a box. The magnet J-hook comes 10 to a box. Count your support points from the spacing before you order.
- Installing from the floor. If you set hooks overhead on a high ceiling, add the Xtender Pole.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What size J-hooks are there?
In our catalog, J-hooks come in 2 inch and 1-5/16 inch. Seven of our eight hooks are 2 inch. The 1-5/16 inch hook is the 90-Degree Angled Clip J-Hook (JH21AC-25). Our J-hook spacing guide has a section on sizing the hook to the bundle.
How far apart should J-hooks be?
The common practice is 4 to 5 feet apart, and never more than 60 inches. Our J-hook spacing guide explains where that comes from and how to lay out a run.
How many cables fit in a J-hook?
It depends on the hook size and the outside diameter of your cable. Do not fill a hook to the brim; the spacing guide explains the fill rule we use.
Do I need J-hooks in an attic?
Not always. In an attic, the goal is to keep cable supported, off the floor of the attic where people step, and away from sharp edges. J-hooks on rafters or trusses are a common way to do that. Your local code decides what is required.
What is the difference between an HPH J-hook and a standard J-hook?
The HPH hooks are cULus Listed to UL 2043, the fire test for products installed in air-handling spaces. The HPH J-Hook, Standard is rated for a 50 lb ultimate static load. The Standard J-Hook, 2 in is an all-steel hook. Both lines come in several shapes, most in boxes of 25.
Does a J-hook make my install code compliant?
No product does that by itself. A J-hook is a cable support. Whether a run passes inspection depends on how it is installed: spacing, independent support, and cable rated for the space.
Shop J-hooks
See every J-hook, bridle ring and install pole on our cable management page.
