Bathroom light fed with #14

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I think we need to be clear that 'fixture wires' need to be of a type listed in Table 402.3.


402.3 Types.
Fixture wires shall be of a type listed in Table 402.3, and they shall comply with all requirements of that table. The fixture wires listed in Table 402.3 are all suitable for service at 600 volts, nominal, unless otherwise specified.
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THHN, THWN, TW, RHW etc are not listed in that table.

In other words, the conductors we normally have on hand can not be used as 'fixture wires'.
 
I think we are clear on that, at least I am. The question became where does the fixture wire stop. On listed trouffers they often come with a 6' whip and 18 or 16 gauge wire installed in it. I thought trevor was asking if he can make whips to these trouffers himself with 18 gauge wire or must he use ac cable or some other approved raceway with wire sized to the branch circuit conductors.

What rule allows the mfg. to use 18 and can we use it also? I think that is what the confusion is.
 
Dennis,
The question became where does the fixture wire stop.
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It stops at the branch circuit outlet.
What rule allows the mfg. to use 18 and can we use it also? I think that is what the confusion is.
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Yes, we can use #18 fixture wire on a 20 amp branch circuit for up to 50'. 240.5(B)(2).
Don
 
I am playing devils advocate here but this is where the confusion is caused. If we use #18 fixture wire in an approved raceway we can go 50 feet. So can we carry that raceway down a wall to the switch? Seems odd to me. It appears to me that the only difference from where the branch circuit ends and the fixture wire begins is the type of wire we are using.

For instance, 14 gauge fixture wire can be run with no limit (theoretically) in length to a switch but 14/2NM cannot be used to go 4'. Am I correct?
 
Dennis,
For instance, 14 gauge fixture wire can be run with no limit (theoretically) in length to a switch
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Is a switch an outlet?
[
but 14/2NM cannot be used to go 4'. Am I correct?
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That is a branch circuit conductor and must be protected at or below its amacity.
Note, I'm not saying that then makes any sense, but then that is often the case with the NEC.
Don
 
Marc Polan NJ

Marc Polan NJ

Well lets see a listed fixture could use 18ga for the fixture wire (how many times have we seen keyless bulb holders with 18 ga used to wire to the existing branch circuit with a plug adapter installed and some one using it for a 1.5 HP pool pump etc). 14 ga IS listed at 20 amps(at 60C) see table 310.16--- all you so called experts-- IT JUST THAT YOU CAN'T USE IT on a 20 amp branch circuit as per the lame NEC.
 
mdpolan said:
(how many times have we seen keyless bulb holders with 18 ga used to wire to the existing branch circuit with a plug adapter installed and some one using it for a 1.5 HP pool pump etc).
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The classic DIY job for summer fun!



mdpolan said:
14 ga IS listed at 20 amps(at 60C) see table 310.16--- all you so called experts-- IT JUST THAT YOU CAN'T USE IT on a 20 amp branch circuit as per the lame NEC.
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Did you happen to ntoice this: * See 240.4(D)....next to your 20A rating?
 
I don't see any difference if its solid or stranded. It doesn't have a very large load on it. and if its that close I think some of you guys could let it slide.
 
Could you not install this a with a 15amp fuse and be done with it? :roll:
Sorry...couldn't figure out how to show pic in post
 
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Chris6245 said:
Could you not install this a with a 15amp fuse and be done with it? :roll:
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Lemme see if I got what you are suggesting:

Run a #12 with the 20A OCPD to the bathroom....then come off that with a 15A "fused" #14 to the light.

How's that gonna happen?
 
celtic said:
Lemme see if I got what you are suggesting:

Run a #12 with the 20A OCPD to the bathroom....then come off that with a 15A "fused" #14 to the light.

How's that gonna happen?
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Did you look at the attached pic? Of course no customer would want this on the wall for a switch but I don't see why it wouldn't work...Mainly just threw it in because of the way the thread was going. Just wanted to add more confusion...(my little try at comedy:D )
 
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