(MOV) Varistor in j-box

[skennedy]

I have run into some ceiling fan installs that sales people are telling the home owners to have me install a varister or MOV in the line side between the neutral and 120V supply for surge protection for the remote units. After some research I have found that when the varister fails it can pop and be a fire hazard. Does the NEC allow such an install into a fan j-box?

 

[Smart $]

I have run into some ceiling fan installs that sales people are telling the home owners to have me install a varister or MOV in the line side between the neutral and 120V supply for surge protection for the remote units. After some research I have found that when the varister fails it can pop and be a fire hazard. Does the NEC allow such an install into a fan j-box?

Off hand I'd say yes...


...but only if it is a listed fan and the installation of the MOV is specified in the instructions.

 

[petersonra]

I have run into some ceiling fan installs that sales people are telling the home owners to have me install a varister or MOV in the line side between the neutral and 120V supply for surge protection for the remote units. After some research I have found that when the varister fails it can pop and be a fire hazard. Does the NEC allow such an install into a fan j-box?

I would say that the code does not prohibit such an installation.

Unless the instructions that came with the fan prohibit it, I don't see an issue.

Varistors do occasionally "pop", but they rarely catch on fire, especially in a metal box. Personally, I would not bother to install one at the fan itself.

 

[kwired]

I have run into some ceiling fan installs that sales people are telling the home owners to have me install a varister or MOV in the line side between the neutral and 120V supply for surge protection for the remote units. After some research I have found that when the varister fails it can pop and be a fire hazard. Does the NEC allow such an install into a fan j-box?

Ask the sales people why their equipment is "too cheap" to incorporate the MOV's in the product at the factory. If they want added protection a "whole house" protector should be fine.