Any place where you would want to use portable cord above a ceiling, a fixed wiring method, cable, or conduit could be used. For locations needing flexibility with drop cords, such as to work stations either use power poles or mount the boxes the cords come from below the ceiling.
The problem with cord above the ceiling isn't just fire loading but, that the cords are left for years and deteriorate.
There was a Code proposal years ago to allow cord connected lighting above the ceiling. When the office layout changed the maintenance man could redo the lighting instead of calling an electrician. Do you like having a job or do you want the janitor doing your work ?
Still a violation where I'm at.
Alan--
