3-way and 4-way switching on 208V fluorescent lights

[SteamDonkey]

Is there anything in the 2011 NEC that requires all ungrounded conductors to be opened by the light switch? I've seen 410.104(B) cited in similar situations but I can't see how a wall switch can be considered a 'switching device of auxiliary equipment.'

Each lighting circuit will be served by a 2-pole, lockable off, branch circuit breaker. The fixtures are 6-lamp T5HO and will be installed in a Class I, Div. 2 hazardous area.

Thanks.

 

[iwire]

The ballast is auxiliary equipment to the lamps.

410.104 Electric-Discharge Lamp Auxiliary Equipment.
(A) Enclosures. Auxiliary equipment for electric-discharge
lamps shall be enclosed in noncombustible cases and treated
as sources of heat.

(B) Switching. Where supplied by the ungrounded conductors
of a circuit, the switching device of auxiliary equipment
shall simultaneously disconnect all conductors.

 

[GoldDigger]

Unfortunately, the end result is that you will need to find full double-pole double-throw switches for the 3-way locations and four-pole double-throw (or four-pole crossover) switches for the 4-way locations.
Or use control wires and a contactor.

 

[SteamDonkey]

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.

 

[chris kennedy]

Unfortunately, the end result is that you will need to find full double-pole double-throw switches for the 3-way locations and four-pole double-throw (or four-pole crossover) switches for the 4-way locations.

Cost effective?

Or use control wires and a contactor.

Yup.

 

[kwired]

If using control wires and a contactor you may even save more by using class 2 control circuit and CL2 cables.