MC cable straps

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Cavie

Cavie

Senior Member
Location
SW Florida
Can anyone tell me what strap to use to attach MC cable to chain hanging a florescent light fixture that doesn't look like hell and passes the NEC? Can it be attached to the same chain hanging the fixture?
 
We always use cable ties to the chain. But if the last point of securing is 6' or less than the section of cable into the fixture doesn't require any support since the connector is permitted to be the means of cable support at the fixture. This reference is in 330.30(D)(2).
 
Fixtures are hanging over 6' and cable ties are not approved or listed as MC fastners. I find plastic cable ties missused all over the place. The white ones are not sunlight resistant. Cady bat wings just don't work or look good.
 
Cavie, See section 330.30(A) of the 2005 NEC. Cables ties and the other methods mentioned were always intended to be sufficient for supporting of MC cable and other cable methods in Article 300. See Proposal 7-73 Log #1717of the 2004 ROP.
 
26 year vet inspector told me they were "not approved" and " not listed". The next thing he will say, "this is not MI cable. These lights are hung in a tire store bay and not exposed to the sun so I do not have a problem, just going by what my "mentor" told me.
 
Cavie said:
26 year vet inspector told me they were "not approved" and " not listed". The next thing he will say, "this is not MI cable. These lights are hung in a tire store bay and not exposed to the sun so I do not have a problem, just going by what my "mentor" told me.
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Inspectors have and do make mistakes.26 years does not make him right or wrong.Ask him to site the code.
 
I intend to ask him when he gets back from med leave but I know he will sat they are not "listed" for the purpose.
 
I'll try that one. I do know that the Cheif inspector "Does not and will not" allow them to be used to support the pool light J-boxes. I have been told!!! PT 2x4 and "Approved pipe straps"
 
Cable ties are code compliant. Tell the guy having a senior moment to read this:

330.30 Securing and Supporting.
(A) General. Type MC cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers, or similar fittings or other approved means designed and installed so as not to damage the cable.
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In different locations throughout this country, we have certain "methods" of installation that have become the "way" to install. As more awareness of the code, whether it is local code or NEC, becomes pervasive, the old methods that may not have really been code are hard to die. Such as this cable tie situation, it is in black & white, but hard to believe. Believe it (unless local code says otherwise) and use your code book to show those who need to be shown.
 
Trevor. If i hand the "red book" to HIM and tell him to read it, He will likely hand it back and tell me where I can put it. then he will take out the "Black book" and tell ME to read it. The NEC, in there infinite wisdom, has seen this problem and corrected it in the 2005 code. In Florida we are still under the 2002 sooo...... he IS tecnically correct. I for one have no problem with it as it is gonna change in July so cable ties are ok with me.
 
Why would you do anything if they are laying on the trusses ? Just where in FL are you working ?Never just back down to inspectors that cant back up there opinion with nec
 
You would need them to get around the truss nailplates, Attic access openings, recessed lights, Work platforms for Air handlers, ETC. To protect from physical damage. They use them anyplace they need to to make the job look neat and in a workman like manner. Lee County Fl. Ft Myers area.
 
I would use a staple for that but if you use a plastic tie wrap i think its even safer.Someone will step on your wires and rather even have that strap break than see it cut by a staple.
 
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