Ceiling Fan Down Rod (Raceway??)

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Bill Walker

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I am a new member to this forum and this is my first question. I hope it doesn't violate any of the rules.

Section 300.13(A) prohibits splices and taps within raceways. My question centers around a ceiling fan. In certain cases the height of a ceiling requires the fan to use a longer downrod than was originally supplied with the fan. Some downrods are 8' in length. Occasionally, length of lead wire supplied with the fan is not long enough to span the entire length of the downrod. In these cases, if a connection/splice is made in the downrod, does it violate Section 300.13(A). I guess my basic question is, is the downrod considered a raceway?
 
Welcome to the forum!

To me, no, the rod is not a raceway; it's part of the fan assembly. I have done this on occasion, using small wirenuts (the closer to the right size for the wire, the better the grip.)

I also stagger the joints by an inch or so, and tape them, first individually, then the entire splice length, so the tape on the individual joints doesn't unravel as the adhesive dries out.
 
Ceiling Fan Down Rod (Raceway??)

Larry,

Thanks for the quick response.

So, you are saying that it is acceptable to make a connection as long as you make it in part of the fan assembly, correct?
 
Rewire the fan so the joints are in the factory enclosure, no big deal.

The down rod is a raceway as per the NEC art 100 def.
 
480sparky said:
Yep.



Raceway. An enclosed channel designed expressly for holding
wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted
in this Code. (CMP-8)
Click to expand...
I think that the critical distinction is whether the down rod is considered to be an integral part of the UL listed assembly or a field addition made to mount the unit.
Since the wires that are part of the unit are too short to go all the way through the rod, that argues strongly for the second interpretation.:)

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
Most residential fans are made with the supply wires passed through a hollow center tube through the center of the motor to the switch housing.

So, you guys are suggesting pulling the original black/blue/white wires completely out and passing new #14 THHN through the motor, correct?

No field-modification of approved equipment issues?
 
LarryFine said:
...So, you guys are suggesting pulling the original black/blue/white wires completely out and passing new #14 THHN through the motor, correct?...
Click to expand...

Oh, absolutely not! I'd suggest pulling out the original black/blue/white wires completely and passing in new #18 wires. :lol:

LarryFine said:
...No field-modification of approved equipment issues?
Click to expand...

I don't sweat the petty stuff. That's like saying you can't snip the ears off a GFCI strap to get it to fit into a raised cover.
 
If the fan manufacturer doesn't offer a wiring extension kit, and, you can't technically consider the down rod as a raceway, then, I would think your modifying a listed fixture regardless of whether you spliced in the down rod or the motor assembly, so, your screwed no matter which way you turn.


JAP>
 
jap said:
If the fan manufacturer doesn't offer a wiring extension kit, and, you can't technically consider the down rod as a raceway, then, I would think your modifying a listed fixture regardless of whether you spliced in the down rod or the motor assembly, so, your screwed no matter which way you turn.


JAP>
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I agree, but it's not something I would worry about.
You are modifying a listed fixture when you change the ballast in a fluorescent or HID light.
 
jap said:
If the fan manufacturer doesn't offer a wiring extension kit, and, you can't technically consider the down rod as a raceway, then, I would think your modifying a listed fixture regardless of whether you spliced in the down rod or the motor assembly, so, your screwed no matter which way you turn.


JAP>
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If you hung the fan directly from a box what are you supposed to do- stuff all that excess wire into the box because cutting it constitutes modifying the fixture?

Splices belong in the wiring compartment on top of the fan and/or in the ceiling box supporting it.

-Hal
 
hbiss said:
If you hung the fan directly from a box what are you supposed to do- stuff all that excess wire into the box because cutting it constitutes modifying the fixture?

Splices belong in the wiring compartment on top of the fan and/or in the ceiling box supporting it.

-Hal
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What makes you think trimming wire is somehow modifying the fixture?

It's not.

Quit making this out to be more than what it is.

This whole ceiling fan thing is getting blown way out of proportion.

JAP>
 
FYI, this discussion is about the splice being made,,, not simply trimming excess wire because it's too long.

JAP>
 
hbiss said:
Splices belong in the wiring compartment on top of the fan and/or in the ceiling box supporting it.

-Hal
Click to expand...


Again,

This discussion is about when that is not possible due to extending a down rod 8' past what the normal wiring allows.


JAP>
 
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