I have run into a situation where the homeowner is providing some very expensive hand made fixtures. The problem is that none of the fixtures have come with a ground wire or supporting brackets. The ones that will be hanging from the ceiling weigh well over 90 lbs. each and have no support cable fasten to a structure member. Has anyone else run into this situation and what did you do.
Hand made fixtures
- Thread starter AVD001
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Massachusetts
If your under the 2008 that will be a problem, see 410.6.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Not if the 2008 NEC applies....you can only use listed fixtures.
jwelectric
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
How about this one?
Wanta bet? custom fixtures will not be UL listed...but IMO if the intent of NEC is met.......Although enforceable, no inspector that I know would ever press it...
- Location
- Massachusetts
Thats to bad that the inspectors are not doing the job they are being paid to do.
As a past inspector, and ONLY my opinion...."Listed" is term that the manufacture spent money to have something tested in a lab and will keep you from being sued IF something bad happens which rarely happens....on the other hand using your brain and meeting the intent of the NEC, is a common sense approach, that us conservative folks like to use.........and should arrive at a safe installation......but I'm from a smaller town and pretty much a hillbilly at heart ....:smile:
William1978
Senior Member
- Location
- N.C.
I look for 3rd party labels on fixtures. Custom,handmade,antique are all fixtures you would have to look close for the labels.
Well that was kinda harsh, my appologies.....I just believe in making things safe. and dont always need some agency that some manufacture PAID them to approve something dictate my installation......
Buck Parrish
Senior Member
- Location
- NC & IN
Yes, I have came across this problem more then once. Since I have been involved in restoring some historical homes.
You have three choices. UL has people that are certified to come to you to give an item a UL listing. That might require a ground wire be installed in the light fixture depending on if it is made from metal or synthetics.
Two, put up cheap UL listed light fixtures untill after the inspection.
Three, Some lamp shops have a ul certification for repairng lights. You could have them do it.
- Location
- Massachusetts
I agree that many times we would be capable of making it safe, but with the 2008 NEC that option has been removed.
I try hard to follow the codes so I want the EIs to force all the other electricians to follow them as well to keep the playing field level.
William1978
Senior Member
- Location
- N.C.
I always felt the same way when I was installing electrical work instead of inspecting it. Coming to this side, it has been an eye opening for sure. I have learned that a hole lot of contractors can barely meet min. code. Then there are a few elec. contractors that I can always count on doing a very good job and only have a few issues if any.
well said....and I cant argue with that.....we need inspectors with integrity for sure.....Times change but I ALWAYS tried to enforce the intent, and be the same to everyone....and protect life and limb
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
NC has required third party listing on fixture and everything else as long as I have been here (30+ years). We still get the illegal fixtures and people wanting me to hang them. I generally refuse but I confess I have wired a few that were pendants and had a ground. They looked just like any other fixture. You have to watch the ones that have paper, etc that may be combustible.
It is a good practice to just refuse it and let them deal with it. Unfortunately it always makes the ec look like the bad guy when we refuse.
It is a good practice to just refuse it and let them deal with it. Unfortunately it always makes the ec look like the bad guy when we refuse.
- Status