ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Ceiling fan splices

Can you legally use butt splices to extend the ceiling fan wiring when long extension rods (downrods) are used?

Does that come under the NEC or is that something to do with the UL listing of the fan?

Bill

Bill;
that is a pain in the A**, ain't it ! I've tried working the wires (usually #16's or #18's) down thru the motor into the JB with varying degrees of success.

Butt splices are not my first choice here in a conduit supplying a motor....

but if the fan is listed, and the extention (made by maker of fan) is listed, one would think they would have considered wire length.

I know these aren't light fixtures, but per NEC 410-28(c), no splices in stems or arms, (although I've sure seen a lot of them). 422-18 seems to regard them as an appliance Do you suppose the intent would be the same? Would a fan only be treated differently than a fan/light?

[This message has been edited by electure (edited 04-28-2001).]

good book work there electure
i'd say you've dug up yet another example of a 'definitionally challenged ' document.

Electure,

The Article you dug up, or a similar one is the reason I was asking this. Most of the Fans I've seen lately have had longer wires. But it was not too long ago that many did not and something had to be done when used on longer downrods. I was curious to hear how others had handled that.

I was wondering if this was within the scope of the NEC as a wiring method or was considered as part of the Fixture. Any thoughts on that?


Bill

I'll take a shot at it, though it's only a guess. Seems to me:
If the extension stem is made by the same manufacturer as the fan and is listed for use with the fan, maybe OK, it's UL??
If you cut your own, or used a different stem, it would not be part of the fan, and would be NEC???
I'm confused and need some help here.