downrod splices.

[binney]

Re: downrod splices.

I'm not sure i agree with READING THE DIRECTIONS first, that's usually my last resort.

Where i used to work, we would rip the fan apart and run new longer fixture wires, we kept fixtue wire on the van for this reason. Where i work now, they just use butt connectors inside the downrod, when i questioned this they told me if you don't have butt connectors use some blue wire nuts.

As far as I know my company is responsible for all that I do. If they tell me to use wirenuts I'll use wirenuts, doesn't mean i have to like it.

AS far as safety I don't feel this is a dangerous procedure, the ground rod is still grounded and should clear any ground fault inside the rod.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: downrod splices.

Nothing wrong with butt splices.
Was told by an inspector to use them to exstend a lightning arresters wires as he would not except wire nuts.
Only real argument here is if the down rod is a raceway or part of the fixture.

 

[iwire]

Re: downrod splices.

Originally posted by jimwalker:
Only real argument here is if the down rod is a raceway or part of the fixture.

Well I vote no on a raceway as I have never seen 3/8" rigid as a listed raceway by the NEC.

344.20 Size.
(A) Minimum. RMC smaller than metric designator 16 (trade size 1/2) shall not be used.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: downrod splices.

Fans i see usually are 1/2 "
I am fine with a splice in the down rod.
If you drop canapy and have voltage then next step is check the bottom compartment for voltage.Kind of easy to find if it went bad and easy to fix,all our problems should be this easy.
The one that get's my butt upset is when i see a chandalier wire exstended with scotch tape some were along the chain.In newer homes ceilings at 18 feet is common,almost no fans come with 10 feet of wire.

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: downrod splices.

If the downrod is a raceway, then the conductors are branch circuit conductors and would need to be full sized in the downrod.

The presence of #18 or #16 fixture wires is prima facie evidence that the downrod is part of the paddlefan assembly - not part of the fixed wiring of the building. The fan manufacturer's assembly ends at the j-box the assembly hangs from. JMO

 

[jimwalker]

Re: downrod splices.

I think Al has the answer that isn't in the book.He is right it is part of fixture , so a splice if UL aproved would be ligle

 

[wildman]

Re: downrod splices.

got tired of waiting on electricmanscott to get back from the truck....hopped in my truck and went to the depot....asked friendly sales professional about downrod splice kit....escorted me to display....handed me the kit....I asked him to explain the proper way to use it....he pointed to the directions on the back and walked away! FANTEC, Inc. contents: 4 pcs. 18awg wires-48 inches long each...black, blue, white, green...4 butt conn. and 4 wire nuts...directions: Install and use this elec wire following your local codes and regulations...Kit should be installed by a licensed elect. or other qualified person...WARNING DO NOT make elec. conn. inside downrod...It is AGAINST most codes to make a wire conn.within a wire conduit. (example) a "ceiling fan downrod is a wire conduit" ALL ELECTRICAL CONN. SHOULD BE MADE WITHIN THE SWITCH HOUSING ON YOUR CEILING FAN AND THE ELEC. JUNCTION BOX IN YOUR CEILING! consult with local and state codes to see what is applicable for your area...a bargain for $3.43...way to go AL! the part about the bargain was not written in the directions....(neither was AL)

 

[roger]

Re: downrod splices.

Wildman, Home Depot and FANTEC?

Roger

 

[ryan_618]

Re: downrod splices.

Thanks Wildman

 

[jimwalker]

Re: downrod splices.

Then why buy the kit? just carry wire and use small nuts.Always save the wire from fans that dont need the 4 ft it comes with.What do they suggest for a 10 ft down rod ?
I will own up to splicing my share in the rod,maybe i should think on this.If it was on a friday and beer thirty i think it getting spliced in rod

 

[jimwalker]

Re: downrod splices.

JOHN DOE homeowner buys kit reads instructions, returns kit for refund (quailfied person)
Had to add that

 

[ryan_618]

Re: downrod splices.

Originally posted by jimwalker:
JOHN DOE homeowner buys kit reads instructions, returns kit for refund (quailfied person)
Had to add that

Huh?

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: downrod splices.

From the UL White Book

FANS, CEILING-SUSPENDED (GPRT)
This category covers ceiling-suspended fans intended to be mounted to a ceiling outlet box or ceiling building structure, and whose blades rotate below the ceiling to move air for the purpose of air circulation.

Still seems to me that the top of the downrod is the demarcation between the fixed wiring of the building and the paddlefan assembly. I mean, the top attaches to the building or the j-box, and below that is UL GPRT.

I submit Fantec doesn't want returns to Big Orange so they over stipulate the requirements. If they know the downrod is a conduit, why are the conductors #18?

 

[jimwalker]

Re: downrod splices.

#12 thhn on fans might be on 20 amp circuit .
Let's try this rule if the thing ain't broke don't fix it.
Has anyone ever got tagged for a splice in the down rod ?
Not me.

 

[wildman]

Re: downrod splices.

JIMWALKER....In response to "What do they suggest for a 10 foot down rod?" 3 kits...if you can have one splice....why not several!

 

[ryan_618]

Re: downrod splices.

Originally posted by jimwalker:
Has anyone ever got tagged for a splice in the down rod ?
Not me.

Jim: Compliance and not being caught are two different things.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: downrod splices.

Wildman back up a few posts
they said don't do it in the rod

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: downrod splices.

"Why don't you do-do-do it in the ro(a)d!"

 

[hurk27]

Re: downrod splices.

Is that called a abby rod lol

 

[pierre]

Re: downrod splices.

I am at a loss here, Wildman quoted a particular manufacturer as saying it is not permitted. Ryan's statement that getting caught and compliance are two different things is absolutely true. What separates 'us' from the ratpack is doing it correctly, not easier, faster or cheaper. Sometimes you may have to miss the 'beer-thirty whiste' to finish the job as you would want your competition to finish it. There is no excuse not to have some wire for running through a 10 foot downrod, if you have been in business for any length of time.

Pierre