NEC 210.6.D

[jriling]

A JOB I AM ASSOCIATED WITH HAS A 175W MH FIXTURE MOUNTED ON A 15' POLE FED WITH A 480V CIRCUIT.
I SAY THIS IS A VIOLATION. AM I RIGHT OR WRONG?
THE ENGINEER AND LOCAL INSPECTOR SAY THIS IS NOT A VIOLATION SINCE THE CIRCUIT FEEDING THE PANEL IS 480/277 3PH 4W. I SAY SINCE THERE IS NO NEUTRAL IN THE CIRCUIT FEEDING THE FIXTURE AND THE GROUND IS NOT A CIRCUIT CONDUCTOR THIS IS A VIOLATION.

ANY COMMENTS??

THANKS

JLR

 

[hbendillo]

Re: NEC 210.6.D

In your case, the voltage to ground should not exceed 277 volts so this should be alright. You do not need a neutral, just an equipment ground.

 

[jmc]

Re: NEC 210.6.D

Section 210.6(C) of the NEC permits branch-circuits operating at 277 volts to ground. The fixture operates at 480 volts, but if you measure the voltage to ground it is 277 volts.

 

[iwire]

Re: NEC 210.6.D

480 volt HID lighting is a very common and efficient way to light large spaces. With the higher voltage you can either put more lights on a circuit, or you can decrease wire and conduit size.