I live in the Chicagoland area and worked as a Construction Electrician. As everbody knows construction is slow and I am now working as a building Maintenance mechanic. The building where I work has open wire every where. For example one of my colleagues replaces CFL[compact fluorscent light]balasts that are secured with 8-32 studs to the recessed can[these ballasts are then supported by the fixture housing]with magnetic ballasts that are designed for diffrent fixtures. These ballast lay on top of the acoustical ceiling tile with no support. These fixtures are in a lecture hall with 25' ceilings. My first concern is if the tile breaks the magnetic ballasts[have more weight than the new electronic versions]with the increased height will embed in some ones head. The second concern is the open wiring. I am not aware of the flamability charecteristics of the tile or any other material in the space[between the acoustical tile and the roof deck] but there is a reason why the NEC does not allow this practice. I am an electrician not a Profesional Engineer. The third concern is if these tiles break the wire nut will not prevent the ballast from falling to the floor. These lights are controlled by a solid state dimming system and my understanding is that any ground faults will damage the lighting controls. When I brought this up to my colleagues and my supervisor I was told I am making a big deal out of nothing. As an Electrician[even though my current job description title is building maintenance] I find the situation very dangerous. Does any one have any suggestions as to how to handle this and/or have information on the hazzards this situation is creating? I am looking for information to back up my argument that this should not be taken lightly.
Open Wiring
- Thread starter mjc1060
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renosteinke
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Arkansas
Probably the best thing you can do is to take some nice pictures.
Once you have the pictures, start a new thread, discussing the wiring method. Do not identify the location, except in the most general terms. Then sit back and watch the replies come in.
Once the thread has a good assortment of comments, show it to your boss for his 'general education.' Let us laugh at the mess for you; let us be the bad guys.
Once you have the pictures, start a new thread, discussing the wiring method. Do not identify the location, except in the most general terms. Then sit back and watch the replies come in.
Once the thread has a good assortment of comments, show it to your boss for his 'general education.' Let us laugh at the mess for you; let us be the bad guys.
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