Receptacles/Switches in trees???

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jango

jango

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Can I get some to chime in on whether or not it is permissable by NEC code to install GFI receptacles and/or switches on a tree? Can someone let me know if there is somewhere in the code book that references this? Basically, I've been asked to install a switch and a receptacle for future Christmas lights on what appears to be a fully grown tree. I would use seal-tite flex as my conduit for flexibility but just want to confirm the code regarding this???
 
You can install wiring on live tree as you've described. You cannot span from one live tree to another overhead. IMO your raceway would be subject to physical damage where it emerges from the ground. Therefore you would need to use a raceway that is permitted to be subject to physical damage. LFMC or LFNC is not permitted in such an instillation. 350.12(1) and 356.12(1).
 
jango said:
Can I get some to chime in on whether or not it is permissable by NEC code to install GFI receptacles and/or switches on a tree? Can someone let me know if there is somewhere in the code book that references this? Basically, I've been asked to install a switch and a receptacle for future Christmas lights on what appears to be a fully grown tree. I would use seal-tite flex as my conduit for flexibility but just want to confirm the code regarding this???
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If this is a temporary installation, take a look at 590.
 
Hendrix said:
If this is a temporary installation, take a look at 590.
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This would be a "permanent" installation and the building inspector informed my contractor that it is against the NEC code to put receptacles or swithces in trees and I cannot find where this is coming from??? Any other input as to whether or not this is an acceptible practice???
 
Would a set of Christmas lights count as a "luminaire"? Perhaps 410.36(G) would come into play, and perhaps the receptacle and switch would qualify as "associated equipment."
 
Dennis Alwon said:
This says it all and is from the 08 NEC
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So aside from anything to do with Christmas Lights, am I to understand correctly that it is indeed permissable to have GFCI receptacles and/or 120v switches located on a tree??? Provided of course the conduits, boxes, and fittings are watertight?
 
jango said:
So aside from anything to do with Christmas Lights, am I to understand correctly that it is indeed permissable to have GFCI receptacles and/or 120v switches located on a tree???
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IMO, and from what I make of art. 410.36 (G), I would say it is absolutely okay to do. I have done it myself.
 
jango said:
So aside from anything to do with Christmas Lights, am I to understand correctly that it is indeed permissable to have GFCI receptacles and/or 120v switches located on a tree??? Provided of course the conduits, boxes, and fittings are watertight?
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If this is on Public property, watch out for those sneaky Arborists. I have been in areas where they would not allow it at all.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
This says it all and is from the 08 NEC
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410.36 Means of Support.
(G) Trees. Outdoor luminaires and associated equipment shall be permitted to be supported by trees.
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So it's still the same.

I had an engineer from a POCO tell me that the '08 no longer allowed the tree thing.

I would say a receptacle intended for lights would qualify as 'associated equipment'.

Put me down for 'pass'.
 
K8MHZ said:
So it's still the same.

I had an engineer from a POCO tell me that the '08 no longer allowed the tree thing.

I would say a receptacle intended for lights would qualify as 'associated equipment'.

Put me down for 'pass'.
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If the receptacle or switch was not for a light then where is it specifically prohibited?
 
Dennis Alwon said:
......... Where in the NEC is it prohibited to put a receptacle on a tree?
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406.4.
HoltBlueDot.jpg
 
So in answer to the original question the consensus is that you are permitted to install both the receptacle and switch on a live tree. I would think about using a raceway that will protect the conductors from physical damage.
 
infinity said:
So in answer to the original question the consensus is that you are permitted to install both the receptacle and switch on a live tree. I would think about using a raceway that will protect the conductors from physical damage.
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I have a 100 + year oak in front yard and it is very much wired. 2 motion detecters that set off stobe lights so anyone entering yard is noticed from my DJ booth and from living room. Has receptacle for weed eater or whatever. Also has MH light mounted on it. And a light over our house numbers,I have all but the receptacle in carflex with some slack cause tree still growing. PVC from ground up about 2 feet to protect the UF cable. Not had any problems in 11 years with it. Far as i can see it is legal by nec.
 
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