Lighting

[sharan]

This is for a Warehouse aisles application, using T5HO fixtures. Can I use 30 amp branch circuits (to reduce number of circuits and panels) and 20 amp outlets in the ceiling? Fixture wiring to the outlet to be #14 (cord and plug).

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't think you can do this although I don't know what a TSHO fixture is. I am assuming it is a HO fluorescent fixture.. Read art. 210.21(B)(2) & (B)(3)

 

[weressl]

This is for a Warehouse aisles application, using T5HO fixtures. Can I use 30 amp branch circuits (to reduce number of circuits and panels) and 20 amp outlets in the ceiling? Fixture wiring to the outlet to be #14 (cord and plug).

I believe that you can install it as you propose and even 15A receptacles would be fine. Since you have not specified the size(VA) or the operating voltage of the fixtures, I presume you intend to use 1 fixture per receptacle. I can't think of any fixture/ballast combinations that would even come close to the receptacle rating. Standard fixtures would be within the rating of the receptacle. Read 210, 220, 240 carefuly. You will need a minimum #10AWG but don't forget about voltage drop.

 

[LarryFine]

I don't see the 30a breakers as compliant.

 

[weressl]

I don't see the 30a breakers as compliant.

Seems to me 240.5(B)(2) addresses the issue.

 

[infinity]

I'm with Dennis and Larry, no.

 

[LarryFine]

Seems to me 240.5(B)(2) addresses the issue.

It seems to me that the use of receptacles, even way above the floor, means that section does not apply here.

 

[weressl]

I'm with Dennis and Larry, no.

Because?)

 

[weressl]

It seems to me that the use of receptacles, even way above the floor, means that section does not apply here.

In the handbook, the interpretation seem to cover this specific installation method. It should be acceptable when the supplied cord is installed by the manufacturer, especially since the load is known, dedicated and limited.

 

[charlie b]

Why are we talking about receptacles? The question has to do with lighting outlets, not receptacle outlets.

 

[infinity]

Why are we talking about receptacles? The question has to do with lighting outlets, not receptacle outlets.

What is a 20 amp outlet on a 30 amp circuit? Sounds like a receptacle to me.

and 20 amp outlets in the ceiling?

 

[charlie b]

What is a 20 amp outlet on a 30 amp circuit? Sounds like a receptacle to me.

Sounds like a lighting outlet to me. Sharan, can you clarify your question?

 

[LarryFine]

Sounds like a lighting outlet to me. Sharan, can you clarify your question?

'Twas clear to me: 30a breaker and #10 wire (I hope!) supplying 20a receptacles (why not 15a then?), and #14 cords with plugs on the luminaires.

 

[haskindm]

Lighting outlet, receptacle? Who cares?
Bottom line is we are supplying LIGHTING FIXTURES, through whatever method. Since lighting fixtures (luminaires) include LAMPHOLDERS, look at 210.21(A) which requires that lampholders installed on a 30-amp circuit must be the heavy duty type. Since there is no such thing as a heavy-duty fluorescent lampholder, you may NOT install them on a 30-amp circuit. There is no way that you can install fluorescent lights on a 30-amp circuit and comply with the NEC.

 

[LarryFine]

Remember the theory that the NEC stops at the receptacle. A receptacle is not a lampholder, heavy-duty or otherwise, and plugging a luminarire, heavy-duty or not, into one does not change that.

 

[haskindm]

The NEC no longer stops at the receptacle, otherwise how could the NEC require vending machines have built-in GFCI protection? But that is another (and rather sore) subject. If the OP is contemplating installing 20-amp receptacles on a 30-amp circuit; 210.24 prohibits this if it is a multi-outlet circuit and 210.21(B)(1) prohibits it if it is a single outlet circuit. If he wants to install 30-amp receptacles and plug lights into them, that gets into a gray area. As you say, in general (with exceptions) the NEC stops at the receptacle. If we know the receptacle is for luminaires, do we have a responsibility to make sure that the provisions of the NEC are met? This may be a loophole, but not one that I would be comfortable with. I can see how it could be justified...

 

[brantmacga]

Seems to me 240.5(B)(2) addresses the issue.

That's dealing w/ flexible cord taps, not cord-and-plug connections. This code does not apply to the proposed installation.

 

[weressl]

That's dealing w/ flexible cord taps, not cord-and-plug connections. This code does not apply to the proposed installation.

I am not sure you can state that with certainty. The OP was ambiguous in his description leaving room to have either or both type installation or equipment type present.

 

[iwire]

It looks like 210.21(B)(3) Exception 2 and 410.30(C)(2) will allow the 30 amp circuit to supply 15 or 20 amp receptacles that supply HID fixtures. (2005 NEC)

 

[iwire]

Why are we talking about receptacles? The question has to do with lighting outlets, not receptacle outlets.

Many times high bay HID fixtures are hung from hooks then cord and plug connected. When the fixture needs servicing you can quickly exchange it with a working fixture then repair the bad fixture on a bench instead of above peoples head. :smile: