I looked at a job that had all of the chain hung flourescent fixtures fed with SJO type whips.The area is a dry location,a warehouse.The owner wants more lights put up. My question is about the SJO cord feeding the fixtures.Usually I use MC w/ stranded conductors to feed chain hung fixtures.I'm looking at 410.67(c).I would think the SJO cord is a violation. Any feed back is greatly appreciated. ToHo

ToHo,

You're weeding in the wrong pea patch. 410.67(c) deals with "Special Provisions for Flush and Recessed Luminaires."

Put your hoe in the row marked 410.30(C)(1). The existing installation may still be incorrect, but at least you'll be citing the correct section.

Tom

Tom.. Thanks
I skipped right by 410.30
The only question I have would be the type of connector you would use for the SJO. The strain relief connectors w/ the grips go for $15.00 each.Anyone have any cheaper connector that is listed for this use.Thanks ToHo

http://www.aifittings.com/d_3.htm#STRAIN

I'd check with inspection.We were allowed to run SJOW whips to switched receptacles on the premise that the lights may have to be removed if we have need to move large equipment around the plant.The receptacles had to be placed directly above the light.The SJO does begin to rot in hot ceiling space after 5 or so years.

Most two-screw romex connectors are listed for use in this sort of application with SO cord- check the box. They cost maybe 30 cents a piece.

Thanks for the replies.
I'm wondering if the existing installation w/ SJO cord was installed because of the distance between the fixture and the junction boxes.Using a MC whip would limit you to 6ft.I can't find any limitations in lenth w/ flexible cord in 410.30(c)(1)??Thanks ToHo

Toho... no limit on length for the cord, but, remember the requirements in 410.22. I've seen people get pretty sloppy with this type of installation.

ToHo- Why would there be a limit on the length of an MC whip. It can be longer than 6' as long as its supported. Cable tie it to the chain that's supporting the fixture and you're good. SJO cord can only be used if it plugs in to a receptacle at the ceiling. You cant hard wire it to a j-box because that makes it a permanent wiring method.

Thanks Greg..
Through my entire career w/ Local 3 I never made a fixture whip longer than 6ft.That was drilled into our heads from day one. Now that I'm on my own & looking for some basis on the rule, I only see 6ft. max rule in 410.67 Special provisions for flush and recessed Luminares ..Also.. It seems the use of stranded conductors in the whip is mentioned in 410.28 for chain hung fixtures etc. I can't honestly say I have ever fed any drop in flourescent fixtures with solid wire. You learn something new everyday. I thank everyone for their responses...keep them coming!! Thanks again ToHo

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.