I am currently working on this job where we are daisy chaining fixtures which are 2X4 , what is in question is we are running a 12/2 MC cable from the panel to the first 2X4 fixture, then out of it skipping to the 3rd fixture in the row, then going back to the 2nd fixture and using the factory installed whip back to the first fixture and so on down the line , the inspector says this in violation , I can't find in the code book that it doeswn't allow this . Any help would be appreciated
Daisy Chained fixtures
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jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
If i am reading you right your using the mfg whip to feed more than 1 fixture.I would have a problem with that too.
If i am reading you right your using the mfg whip to feed more than 1 fixture.I would have a problem with that too.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
Ask the inspector to look at 240.5(2) (2002 NEC)
This a common method with some types of fixtures.
Ask the inspector to look at 240.5(2) (2002 NEC)
This a common method with some types of fixtures.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
But the number of fixtures is not relevant, what matters is the load.
You must follow the ampacities given in Table 402.5 Allowable Ampacity for Fixture Wires.
There is also this section.
I think he is only running one fixture per whip.
But the number of fixtures is not relevant, what matters is the load.
You must follow the ampacities given in Table 402.5 Allowable Ampacity for Fixture Wires.
There is also this section.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
Thanks.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
Select, did you even look at 240.5(2)?
Select, did you even look at 240.5(2)?
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2023
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
Originally posted by iwire:
Thanks.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
Select I know what your doing and I think it's fine.
Your feeding fixtures 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, etc. with 12/2 MC.
Then your feeding fixture 2 from fixture 1, fixture 4 from fixture 3, fixture 6 from fixture 5 etc. with individual whips with 18 AWG fixture wires.
240.5(2) allows these fixture wires to be tapped from the 20 amp branch circuit.
402.10 explains how it must be done.
Table 402.5 shows the Allowable Ampacity for the fixture wires.
Is that not what your doing?
Select I know what your doing and I think it's fine.
Your feeding fixtures 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, etc. with 12/2 MC.
Then your feeding fixture 2 from fixture 1, fixture 4 from fixture 3, fixture 6 from fixture 5 etc. with individual whips with 18 AWG fixture wires.
240.5(2) allows these fixture wires to be tapped from the 20 amp branch circuit.
402.10 explains how it must be done.
Table 402.5 shows the Allowable Ampacity for the fixture wires.
Is that not what your doing?
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2023
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
Okay, never mind, I get what you're saying.
Sure, what's wrong with that? Did he cite a code?
Okay, never mind, I get what you're saying.
Sure, what's wrong with that? Did he cite a code?
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
yes he says it is a code violation sense the 12/2 mc from fixture one to fixture 3 is over 6 foot long, I have always looked at the 12/2 mc from the 1st fixture to the next as being the branch circuit not as a fixture whip, and thanks for all of the input you guys did
yes he says it is a code violation sense the 12/2 mc from fixture one to fixture 3 is over 6 foot long, I have always looked at the 12/2 mc from the 1st fixture to the next as being the branch circuit not as a fixture whip, and thanks for all of the input you guys did
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2023
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
Forgive me for the stupid question, but are you sure he's not trying to get you for 330.30(B) or 330.30(D)(2)? You're secured, right?
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
no I have the mc supported using a bat wing on the dedicated fixture hanger wires, what he is telling me that the 12/2 MC which is the branch circuit feeding thru light 1, light 3, light 5 and so on is a fixture whip. He says I have to run conduit and set a box in the center of each 2 lights and then whip to it using flex no longer then 6 feet. In other terms looks to me like he is saying I can't run my MC 12/2 from light to light, he's calling those fixture whips. Hope I explained that well enough. If you ask me he's just mad because the GC upset him
no I have the mc supported using a bat wing on the dedicated fixture hanger wires, what he is telling me that the 12/2 MC which is the branch circuit feeding thru light 1, light 3, light 5 and so on is a fixture whip. He says I have to run conduit and set a box in the center of each 2 lights and then whip to it using flex no longer then 6 feet. In other terms looks to me like he is saying I can't run my MC 12/2 from light to light, he's calling those fixture whips. Hope I explained that well enough. If you ask me he's just mad because the GC upset him
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
Your inspector is way off base. I would agree with you that your 12/2 MC cable is part of the branch circuit wiring. Sound like a common installation similar to when installing recessed lighting where you simply cable from fixture to fixture with the branch circuit. And what section did he site to require EMT in lieu of MC cable? Even if he was correct on the fixture whip issue why would you suddenly have to use a different wiring method? Using a junction box with the MC cable and a 6' FMC whip to each fixture would be fine too.
Your inspector is way off base. I would agree with you that your 12/2 MC cable is part of the branch circuit wiring. Sound like a common installation similar to when installing recessed lighting where you simply cable from fixture to fixture with the branch circuit. And what section did he site to require EMT in lieu of MC cable? Even if he was correct on the fixture whip issue why would you suddenly have to use a different wiring method? Using a junction box with the MC cable and a 6' FMC whip to each fixture would be fine too.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: Daisy Chained fixtures
Ask him since when cant we daisy chain ? I see what your doing now and if thats saving you time or money then go for it .I have done it myself on last fixture in daisy chain.Your idea is not bad.I do see what he might be worried about if someone added more to that fixture,but that an IF and not your problem.Ask him to cite code first then go over his head if needed.
Ask him since when cant we daisy chain ? I see what your doing now and if thats saving you time or money then go for it .I have done it myself on last fixture in daisy chain.Your idea is not bad.I do see what he might be worried about if someone added more to that fixture,but that an IF and not your problem.Ask him to cite code first then go over his head if needed.
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