410.117(C)/ 348.30/ 300.11

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augie47

augie47

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State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
The NEC allows FMC, MC, etc. in lengths of 6 ft or less to be used between fixtures and j boxes and remain unsupported. Is it a violation of any Code if this unsupported wiring method lays on the drop ceiling ?
(300.11 states a wiring method my not be "supported by" the ceiling).
In particular, an E/C has installed 6 ft "whips" on fixtures where the j box is 12-24" away and the "slack" lays on the drop ceiling.
 
augie47 said:
The NEC allows FMC, MC, etc. in lengths of 6 ft or less to be used between fixtures and j boxes and remain unsupported. Is it a violation of any Code if this unsupported wiring method lays on the drop ceiling ?
(300.11 states a wiring method my not be "supported by" the ceiling).
In particular, an E/C has installed 6 ft "whips" on fixtures where the j box is 12-24" away and the "slack" lays on the drop ceiling.
Click to expand...

IMO that is reading it too hard (if that makes any sense). The spirit of the 6 ft unsupported rule is to relieve the otherwise required support within 1 ft of terminations and a support every three feed otherwise. This "whip is at very least still supported by the fittings on each end.

When I have an similar situation I may try to coil the whip and let it lay on top of troffer if that is what is supplied, or could coil it up and wire tie it so it is not laying on ceiling tiles but also don't feel it is required to do so.
 
kwired said:
IMO that is reading it too hard (if that makes any sense). The spirit of the 6 ft unsupported rule is to relieve the otherwise required support within 1 ft of terminations and a support every three feed otherwise. This "whip is at very least still supported by the fittings on each end.

When I have an similar situation I may try to coil the whip and let it lay on top of troffer if that is what is supplied, or could coil it up and wire tie it so it is not laying on ceiling tiles but also don't feel it is required to do so.
Click to expand...

makes sense and I agree. another inspector simply asked if it was a violation... I felt it depended on "how one reads it" :D Doubt it will be "red tagged", but opinions were desired.
 
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