ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Fixtures as raceways

I need help on this one...........A large room as 4 rows of fluorescent fixtures. The contractor has jumped from row to row with Greenfield through the fixtures (not using any junction boxes). The fixtures are not listed as a raceway for circuit conductors. Is this legal?

welcome Marmat!

I'm reading 410-31 and wondering exactly how the contractor 'daiseychained'. If done with 2 entries or 1 dual entry.

The contractor fed the first row of fixtures with a 1/2" greenfield. He then came out of the same fixture to feed the next row (2 entries....one in-one out). This was then repeated for all the rows (in and out each fixture).

Marmat;
I mentioned the latter in hopes the wiring did not pass by the ballast, as it does , and it is not listed for such i'd say it is an inappropriate application.

In your first post, you mentioned the fixtures are not listed for use as raceways. Art. 410-31 says specifically that fixtures shall not be used as a raceway for conductors. Exception No. 1 is for fixtures listed for use as a raceway. In several places in Art. 410, there is mention of an outlet box. I remember in the past that we were to design with outlet boxes, however I can't seem to find the requirement in the Code now. Although, check 410-67(c). Several commentary illustrations show an outlet box within one foot of the fixture, therefore, I think an outlet box adjacent to the fixture is the way to go.

Been awhile since I looked for this one, but, as I remember....<G>, the fixtures Must have written on them suitable fer use as a raceway, and they must be installed end to end........