ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Fixture whips

Part of the "6 foot rule" is also the requirement for an additional grounding conductor to be run in the whip if it exeeds that length.

I notice that 410.67(C) talks about "tap conductors", and 410.67(B) talks about "branch-circuit conductors." How does a tap conductor differ from a branch-circuit conductor?

It appears that there is no limit on the length of "branch-circuit conductors" going to the light, only of "tap conductors." My take is that if an MC whip is characterised as "branch-circuit conductors," you can make it as long as you like.


[This message has been edited by SolarPowered (edited 03-25-2005).]

Are these cord and plug connected?

A "tap" is a very limited provision in the code that allows for the use of wire that would otherwise be considered too small for the circuit over-current device.
In lighting, an example of a "tap rule" being applied is with the use of factory made (and Listed) fixture whip...code allows these whips to be as small as #18, even though the circuit may be as large as 50 amps.

Good response Reno. I've seen an awful lot of "daisy chained" installations using whips with #18 wire. Surprising how many guys don't read or understand those kind of code references.