Question of the day- Can you install outlets on a sign circuit that are not associated with the sign? Man wants to install a parking lot light on a sign circuit and it won't overload the circuit. What say you?

Not all sign circuits are created alike.

AFAIK, only the window display circuit is required to be "dedicated." The sign on the front of the building, or out at the street, need not be on a dedicated circuit.

Now, looking at the opposite situation.... I could see 'understanding' the addition of such signs to the show window circuit- but lot lights are clearly not allowed.

Most parking lot signs I see have a 120v receptacle built into the base. (these days, with a broken bubble cover over them)

What about 600.5(A)? Does it not say no other load? Or am I getting creative? What about 220.3(B)(6)?

I looked at some signs today. Some of those "receptacles" I talked about are actually switches (the disconnect) when I looked at them closely. I also saw receptacles tho. The ones in use were blowing up one of those temporary inflated signs. (the balloon looking thing and the sock man that keeps flipping in the air).
Perhaps that is still considered a sign outlet and that circuit has only "sign" loads?

Those code sections above seem to be talking about the sign on the front of the building.

What about a sign in the parking lot. Could one add a parking lot light on the same circuit on top of the sign?

It reads to me like this is ok, but the circuit would be limited to 20 amps.

The signs I am talking about are in the parking lot, usually on a pole or masonry pedestal. I didn't get to look at the wiring

The entry sign cicuit as req. by 600.5(A) is to be a dedicated circuit, no other loads, but there are no requirements that a pole sign be dedicated, only that the circuit(s) be no larger than 20 amp, 600.5(B)(1).If the sign is exclusively neon it is limited to 30 amp 600.5.(B)(2)

Chuck

George:
I'm puzzled. Are you talking about a 'pylon' type sign? Or a sign of some other configuration out 'in the lot'?

IMHO, I see no reason why one could not have a light on with the sign circuitry, as long as it doesn't overload the circuits.

We have some signage that is tapped of of PL lighting (277V sign & PL Ltg); a 'few' floodlights mounted on a sign structure; albeit another circuit or two. And, yes, in a pinch, circuit capacity permitting, a pole light tapped from the "close" signage.

A few strip malls have a few wallpacks/floods that are powered from the canopy sign feed. (OK, no permit & hence no insp.)

John

This is just a sign not attached to the building and the contractor want's to extend the circuit for some site lighting. I submitted this question to Charlie Trout and will be interested in his response.

George:t you a 'cold one' (your choice) that it's acceptable within the capacity of the circuit.

John

Edited:
George "I'll bet you a cold one" (beer, wine, soda, coffee, tea)

The above is what happens when I type in a rush.

John

[This message has been edited by HotLine1 (edited 10-19-2006).]

????????

I believe he's betting you a beer

[This message has been edited by SteveFehr (edited 10-18-2006).]

Steve I hope your right, could use a cold one now and again

John- That'll be an MGD in a frosted mug if you are buying.

Charlie Trout says Okay on this question. Doesn't have to get a dedicated circuit when it's in the parking lot.

That's good because I have been looking at "pylon" signs in parking lots and grassy areas. More than half of them have a receptacle in the base. Glad I don't have to argue with the Lee County guys on this.