Receptacles/Switches in trees???

[jango]

Can I get some to chime in on whether or not it is permissable by NEC code to install GFI receptacles and/or switches on a tree? Can someone let me know if there is somewhere in the code book that references this? Basically, I've been asked to install a switch and a receptacle for future Christmas lights on what appears to be a fully grown tree. I would use seal-tite flex as my conduit for flexibility but just want to confirm the code regarding this???

 

[infinity]

You can install wiring on live tree as you've described. You cannot span from one live tree to another overhead. IMO your raceway would be subject to physical damage where it emerges from the ground. Therefore you would need to use a raceway that is permitted to be subject to physical damage. LFMC or LFNC is not permitted in such an instillation. 350.12(1) and 356.12(1).

 

[Hendrix]

Can I get some to chime in on whether or not it is permissable by NEC code to install GFI receptacles and/or switches on a tree? Can someone let me know if there is somewhere in the code book that references this? Basically, I've been asked to install a switch and a receptacle for future Christmas lights on what appears to be a fully grown tree. I would use seal-tite flex as my conduit for flexibility but just want to confirm the code regarding this???

If this is a temporary installation, take a look at 590.

 

[jango]

If this is a temporary installation, take a look at 590.

This would be a "permanent" installation and the building inspector informed my contractor that it is against the NEC code to put receptacles or swithces in trees and I cannot find where this is coming from??? Any other input as to whether or not this is an acceptible practice???

 

[charlie b]

Would a set of Christmas lights count as a "luminaire"? Perhaps 410.36(G) would come into play, and perhaps the receptacle and switch would qualify as "associated equipment."

 

[K8MHZ]

Didn't they remove the live vegetation exemption for luminaires and associated equipment on trees?

(I don't have an '08 handy.)

410.16 (H) in the '05 allows it.

 

[K8MHZ]

Would a set of Christmas lights count as a "luminaire"? Perhaps 410.36(G) would come into play, and perhaps the receptacle and switch would qualify as "associated equipment."

What would be the 'means to support'?

If the lights had their own they would be a luminaire per the definitions.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

This says it all and is from the 08 NEC

410.36 Means of Support.
(G) Trees. Outdoor luminaires and associated equipment shall be permitted to be supported by trees.

 

[jango]

This says it all and is from the 08 NEC

So aside from anything to do with Christmas Lights, am I to understand correctly that it is indeed permissable to have GFCI receptacles and/or 120v switches located on a tree??? Provided of course the conduits, boxes, and fittings are watertight?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

So aside from anything to do with Christmas Lights, am I to understand correctly that it is indeed permissable to have GFCI receptacles and/or 120v switches located on a tree???

IMO, and from what I make of art. 410.36 (G), I would say it is absolutely okay to do. I have done it myself.

 

[ty]

So aside from anything to do with Christmas Lights, am I to understand correctly that it is indeed permissable to have GFCI receptacles and/or 120v switches located on a tree??? Provided of course the conduits, boxes, and fittings are watertight?

If this is on Public property, watch out for those sneaky Arborists. I have been in areas where they would not allow it at all.

 

[K8MHZ]

This says it all and is from the 08 NEC

410.36 Means of Support.
(G) Trees. Outdoor luminaires and associated equipment shall be permitted to be supported by trees.

So it's still the same.

I had an engineer from a POCO tell me that the '08 no longer allowed the tree thing.

I would say a receptacle intended for lights would qualify as 'associated equipment'.

Put me down for 'pass'.

 

[infinity]

So it's still the same.

I had an engineer from a POCO tell me that the '08 no longer allowed the tree thing.

I would say a receptacle intended for lights would qualify as 'associated equipment'.

Put me down for 'pass'.

If the receptacle or switch was not for a light then where is it specifically prohibited?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If the receptacle or switch was not for a light then where is it specifically prohibited?

I was just going to state the same. Where in the NEC is it prohibited to put a receptacle on a tree?

 

[480sparky]

......... Where in the NEC is it prohibited to put a receptacle on a tree?

406.4.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

406.4.

Yeah, where exactly do you see that mounting to trees is not allowed?

 

[480sparky]

Yeah, where exactly do you see that mounting to trees is not allowed?

You asked about mounting receptacles to trees.

406.4 says to mount them in boxes.

No matter what you do, wait a few years, you'll end with this:

 

[infinity]

So in answer to the original question the consensus is that you are permitted to install both the receptacle and switch on a live tree. I would think about using a raceway that will protect the conductors from physical damage.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

So in answer to the original question the consensus is that you are permitted to install both the receptacle and switch on a live tree. I would think about using a raceway that will protect the conductors from physical damage.

I have a 100 + year oak in front yard and it is very much wired. 2 motion detecters that set off stobe lights so anyone entering yard is noticed from my DJ booth and from living room. Has receptacle for weed eater or whatever. Also has MH light mounted on it. And a light over our house numbers,I have all but the receptacle in carflex with some slack cause tree still growing. PVC from ground up about 2 feet to protect the UF cable. Not had any problems in 11 years with it. Far as i can see it is legal by nec.

 

[davedottcom]

Might be a good idea to use a few of those pvc expansion fittings.
I'm surprised they aren't required.