Reloc wiring method

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shockin

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We have installed a "Reloc" wiring system. (Lithonia Quick Flex QFC 120 12/2G QFC). We alway support the reloc whips between the fixtures so it is not supported by the grid system, however the AHJ believes that it should also be supported with-in 12" of the fixture. The AHJ believes that Reloc falls under 348.30. I would view it as a fixture whip, and therefore I don't believe a support would be required. Does anyone else have an opinion on this? Thanks for your help.
 
Did you point out Exception No. 4 lengths not exceeding 6 ft from the last point where the raceway is securely fastened for connection within an accessible ceiling to luminaries or other equipment. I'm not sure what this means since I don't speak french but I take that so long as it's securely fastened within 6 ft it's a lighting whip and close enough for Government work.
 
Thanks growler. I believe that you're probably correct on your interpretation of that exception. Now comes the fun part, trying to convince the AHJ.
 
Actually "reloc" is UL listed as a manufactured wiring system, and as such should meet the requirements of Article 604 of the NEC. You should install the reloc system according to the manufactures listed instructions as per 110.3(B)

348.30 is for flexible metal conduit, which this system is not.

Chris
 
Chris,
348.30 is for flexible metal conduit, which this system is not.
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It could be. 604.6(A)(2). It also could be AC or MC. The support is covered by the code Article for the type of conduit or cable that was used to make the Reloc system. 604.6(E).
Don
 
Don,

You are right, sorry. The reloc systems that I have used seem to be a MC type of cable and that is what I figure this system to be.

The quick flex type of reloc is MC cable according to the lithonia specifications. (edited to add last sentence)

Chris
 
This brings up another interesting question - I'm OK with using the appropriate code section for supporting the cable based on it's type, but what about all of the splitters, couplers, tees, etc. Do those need an independent means of support ? Or can the cable be used to support them ?

We typically tie-wrap our tees and other fittings to the bar joists, but I wonder if this is approved. Never been called on it, but .............
 
I don't believe a 30' reloc cable is a fixture whip. As growler pointed out "not exceeding 6' from the last point of CONNECTION" ,it does not say supported.

Are you saying 30' is o.k. for a fixture whip? jmo.
 
Actually, as Don pointed out, you must support the system according to the type of cable or conduit used in the system.
604.6(E) Securing and supporting.
Manufactured wiring systems shall be secured and supported in accordance with the applicable cable or conduit article for the cable or conduit type employed.
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Chris
 
Growler - I would agree that 330D(2) would apply to this situation. The AHJ has a different opinion. If you read the section closely it says you can go to A luminaire. Because Reloc goes from one light to the next apparently that makes it luminaires. Sometimes you just can't win. Thanks anyway.
 
shocking,

Just came back from the 'reloc' site,I would say your installation is code compliant. Quick Flex, is not MC and reloc is fast to tell you it is a ul tested product.

If it's not in the code book how can you violate it?
 
Ben - I believe that 604.6(E) states that it has to fall into some category. If you look close at the end of a piece of Reloc is states that it is type MC. Therefore you need to go to 330.30. I still think exception #2 means it doesn't have to be strapped in the first 6 feet.
 
Actually frank, Quick flex is a manufactured wiring system according to article 604.

604.6(A) gives you the different types of cables and conduits that are allowed to be used in the manufacture of a the system.

If you look at the specs for Quick flex you will see that it is made with MC cable.

Chris
 
Shockin,

You are correct that 330.30(D)(2) allows 6 feet of unsupported cable from the last point of support to to the point of connection to a luminaire. It goes on to say that a MC cable fitting shall be permitted as a means of cable support. So if the luminaries are not more than 6 feet apart, then the MC connectors can be used as support and you would not need additional supporting.

Chris
 
Chris,

At the web site of ''Reloc" the manafacturer,clearly states that their product is not mc cable. I know what it is,I have installed it too many times, maybe you should tell it to them.
A cord drop and an extention cord are using the same materials, can they be used in the same manner?
 
I just went to the Lithonia web site to look up the product specification for quick flex and it does state that it is MC cable ( QSFC ). But shockin states that the inspector made his ruling based on the fact that the code exception is for a single fixture and not plural fixtures. It does state A Luminaire. Who knows he may even be right. I always thought that a fixture whip supported within 6 feet of the fixture was code compliant. I actually won a similar argument with an inspector a few years back. He was trying to tell me that a whip couldn't be over six feet long and I was arguing that it could if supported and of the correct size ( 12/2 MC cable ). I wasn't about to move the junction box. I guess it would be prudent to get a ruling from the local AHJ before running any reloc in the future. I don't think our local inspectors would be so picky ( but you never know ).
 
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