Romex Connection Recessed lite

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Jowell135

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-Does anybody know for certain if the built in connectors that come in the better quality recessed lights are acceptable for affixing Romex wire to said Recessed lights??? I'm getting conflicting opinions from 50 different inspectors / fellow electricians , but I can't locate a definitive answer in the code book......

Thanks in advance for help

John
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

If it is a listed fixture, you may use all of the fittings and connectors that are enclosed with the fixture. IMO though, the wire connectors that do not have the steel coil are c**p and I would discard them. The same would apply to substandard wire connectors. :D
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

The answer is not directly in the code book.

The only code section that would matter for this question is 110.3(B)

110.3(B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
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So you have recessed lights that I imagine are UL listed and came with some installation instructions. Look at these instructions, if the instructions say that the clamps are suitable for NM there is your answer.
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

Originally posted by charlie:
IMO though, the wire connectors that do not have the steel coil are c**p and I would discard them.
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Hi Charlie they certainly are junk and I throw them out also. :D

I took the question to be about the connectors included on the box that secure the NM to the box.

I guess the question could be about either. :p
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

Like Bob, I thought that Jowell meant the "clamp" that is provided as part of the fixture. I am so used to discarding the wirenuts that come with the fixtures, that I did not give them a thought.

[ March 19, 2005, 04:19 PM: Message edited by: pierre ]
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

Our rough crews loved them until power was put on a house.One after another wire out of connector :D
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

I use elco recessed cans. These come with a snap lock in the junction box and you do not need wirenuts. Just strip the wire back like you would a 15 amp receptacle and snap it in place. Alot of people don't like this method, but if you just check your connection after you make it (give it a tug) you can confirm if the connection is good. I've never had a problem. I stress never.
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

What are we talking about here? Romex connectors or wire connectors?
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

_Guys,
Thanks for all the replies. To clarify, I'm talking about the Romex connection to the box. Not wire connectors or wire nuts.
On Elco and Halo recessed lights (among others) there is a small metal flip up Knock out with a small metal strain relief built into the can so you can just push in the romex and don't have to add a plastic or metal clamp connector........

Thanks
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

I thought that was what it was about :D Hold them down strip sheathing leaving leads long.Strip equal then form an offset and twist till done then trim excess and insert in connector.I can do 3 make ups in this way as another guy gets one done.Learned this years ago doing piece work :D
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

"If it is a listed fixture, you may use all of the fittings and connectors that are enclosed with the fixture."

I intended for my comment to include both. :D
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

Why would you not be able to use them? Isn't that what they are there for? :confused: I would gather that the manufacturers would not spend gazillions of dollars outfitting their products with something extra that could not be used. I always use them. Saves time and connectors.
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

As difficult as it is to access that box after drywall, I think we all do what we trust, because we don't want to dig into that box ever again.

I trust a plastic box, so I will use the Capri NM holes, which is faster than if I'm stuck with Halos, which have metal boxes. I trust a plastic romex connector over the metal box's option, in that scenario. I twist my wires up inside my plastic connector and then take it to the box. Less arms-in-air time. :D
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

George I usually make up the connections before I mount the fixture to minimize the arms up in the air deal. As for the metal clamps that come with the fixtures I always use them and never have a problem. Why buy extra stuff when it is already provided? Jowell, what is the reasoning these people say you can't use them.
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

I think the Halo "slide in" NM connectors are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Why anyone would still use those knockouts is beyond me. :confused:
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

Personal preference I guess. :D I`ve tried them and just can`t get used to twisting my joints in the confines of the J box ;)
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

Some of the inspectors might be thinking that the funny metal box connectors will slice into the cable sheath.

2.5 years ago I put up some outdoor compact fluorescent fixture that were made by Regent. All of the fixtures now need to be repaired:

1. The hole through which the ballast wires passed going to the lampholders was not quite so well reamed. The result was ground faulting of some of the ballasts. Fortunately, the ballasts were able to protect themselves by shutting down.

2. Some of the lampholders have lost their grip on the bulbs or in the push-in wire traps.

3. Regent did not clean the ballast wires with silicon carbide paper and grease them with Ilsco Deox(R). Thanks to catalytic converters copper wire that is outdoors oxidizes just as fast as aluminum.

Next bunch of compact fluorescent outdoor fixtures are going to be "incandescent" fixtures with compact fluorescent refit bulbs. Lights of America has also been peddling a 42 watt bulb and a 65 watt bulb that use a screw shell base, external ballast, and internal starter. Thomas Edison must have had a lot of insight into what works outdoors or in other harsh conditions.
 
Re: Romex Connection Recessed lite

Peter D, I'm with you on the new Halo's. I make up the cables and slip them into their...slips.

The newest ones even have 3-wire Wago type connectors included and installed. I DO NOT use back stabs on receptacles, but for up to 6-8 recessed cans I trust these connectors fully.
 
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