ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Safety chains/wires on HID lighting

When I worked up in Neb it was required that all hid Metal halide/sodium lights have safety chains, Now down here in Tx, I tried explaining this to my new boss, and he was clueless, I searched the code book but was unable to find where it specified the requirement to attach safety chains???
Any one else have a clue?

I'm not aware of any such requirement in the NEC. It may be in various building codes.
Don(resqcapt19)

Don ,seems like there is something about the lights {and it might not be just lights } cannot be supported by just conduit,not for sure in the code but it is something along that line .I have always used a chain just for safety ,in some plants .

Doc, when you say "cannot be supported by just conduit" are you referring to the branch circuit conduit to the light, or a threaded nipple that is attached to the top of the fixture?

I don't think the Code says anything about using safety chain. We usually do it, although I've never seen one fall, so I don't know how reliable it is, especially since the fixture isn't designed for it and you have to figure out yourself how/where to attach the chain.

Same thing about installing tie wires to fixtures in a suspended ceiling. I think that's a code requirement from the local builing code or fire code.

More likely a manufacturer's recommendation than a building code. If the manufacturer says to put it there, it had better be there!

Rick Miell