modifying light fixture

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islandhopper

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Is it specifically against the NEC to modify a pole mount 90 watt low pressure sodium fixture so it can be mounted in a ceiling application? The fixtures were bought to replace fallen ceiling mounted fixtures (fell during hurricanes in '04).

The $1000+ fixtures are very flimsy with only tack welds holding the top on. I would have to add metal reinforcement that attaches to the sides so it would be secure to ceiling. Ideally, we could replace all of the fixtures with ones designed for ceiling mount, but only a few are being replaced and "they" can't find a better match. Boss says hang 'em.....

I'm sure I can hang them so they don't fall, but are there other concerns?
 
The fixtures attach to the underside of an aluminum canopy. I don't think heat dissipation would be a factor. My main concern is if I can modify the fixture for an installation other than a pole or wall mount
 
The fixture needs to be rated to the application. If it is not rated for ceiling mount, which it isn't, then it is not rated to the application.

You are right in your assumption about heat dissipation, in a lamp post mount the wiring is underneath the heat and likely has a lower temp rating. I have rarely noted a manufacturer putting "more" into a fixture unless they need to comply with a special rating.

The General NEC reference is 110.3, but specific to the lamps you describe I am pretty sure that 410.140 applies and it basically says "shall be listed and installed in conformance with that listing"
 
I agree with you about 110.3. There's no 410.140 in my '05 book.....

Arguments have been "they are almost identical", wiring and ballast is above reflector on both types. "The only obvious difference are that the old ceiling mount fixtures have reinforced metal on top for securing to ceiling where the pole mounted ones have reinforcement on one side".

Oh yeah.. and the box with the new ones says "pole mount".

Thanks for your input

Tom
 
I couldn't find a similar reference in the 05 book either but here is what the 08 book basically said, the assumption I made is this was high discharge type lighting.
XIV. Special Provisions for Electric-Discharge Lighting Systems of more than 1000 volts.
410.140 General
(A) Listing. Electric Discharge lighting systems with an open-circuit boltage exceeding 1000volts shall be listed and installed in conformance with that listing.

If this is not the case (not 1000V lighting) I am sure the same basic line exists somewhere else in the code that relates to using items "As Listed".
 
Well, no reason to go beyond 110.3, particularly (A)(7) and (B) which read:

Classification by type, size, voltage, rurrent capacity, and specific use

(B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeleing

Given that they say "pole mount" and not "ceiling mount" it appears clear, I know a lawyer would have a great time in a post fire lawsuit if they were installed hanging from the ceiling.
 
take an old pole

cut some pieces off

mount the fixture to the piece of pole

mount the piece of pole to the ceiling

boss is happy
 
If its not your master license at stake then do as boss wants.You know its illegal.Whats bad is he would play stupid if anything happens and make you look bad.Actually why not print this post and keep it in safe place.
 
Well, I guess I was looking for a job when I found this one.

Just kidding. They'll probably just get someone else to hang them. There are a lot of people that use the code book as a suggested guideline around here. There are no inspections and no repercussions for hacking things in.

Thanks for your replies.
 
It depends on where you are. Some places (military bases , free trade zones, ports, etc.) don't have any system of inspections or accountablilty. Since local municipalities don't have any juristiction there, it's pretty much the honor system.
 
islandhopper said:
It depends on where you are. Some places (military bases , free trade zones, ports, etc.) don't have any system of inspections or accountability. Since local municipalities don't have any jurisdiction there, it's pretty much the honor system.
Click to expand...
In other words, you can do anything you want until someone gets hurt or there is a fire and then the court will nail the offending installer of whatever was supposed to meet Code. The problem is that you have to defend yourself as opposed to having a third party looking over your shoulder. Even then, you would still have a problem but would have a better defense. :)
 
islandhopper said:
It depends on where you are. Some places (military bases , free trade zones, ports, etc.) don't have any system of inspections or accountablilty. Since local municipalities don't have any juristiction there, it's pretty much the honor system.
Click to expand...
So that somehow magically makes it safe?
 
That's the way I see it. Luckily, they can't force you to do it wrong. I always say "I'm not above making a mistake, but I won't do wrong on purpose".
 
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