SO Cord or MC?

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njtrombley

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We are getting ready to hang Florescent Bay lighting in an open office area. We have 18' ceilings and the fixtures are going to hang off the ceilings (using Gripples/Aircraft cable) about 3' or 15' above finished floor. I have seen in the past where guys will use SO cord to go from the junction box in the ceiling, zip tie it to the aircraft cable and feed the lights. Is this legal? Our inspector is telling us this in now against code. We can use MC cable, but we have two circuits feeding each light so we would have to use something like 12-4 MC with ground and maybe we can get some SO cord cheaper and I think it would be a little easier to work with and look at.

So my question is: Can I attach SO cord to aircraft cable using zip ties and if so is this an acceptable method to use as a whip for my light fixtures.

Thanks
 
Take a look at 410.62(C) (2008 NEC) for the requirements of cord connected electric discharge lighting.

410.62 Cord-Connected Lampholders and Luminaires.
(C) Electric-Discharge Luminaires.
(1) Cord-Connected Installation. A luminaire or a listed assembly shall be permitted to be cord connected if the following conditions apply:
(1) The luminaire is located directly below the outlet or busway.
(2) The flexible cord meets all the following:
a. Is visible for its entire length outside the luminaire
b. Is not subject to strain or physical damage
c. Is terminated in a grounding-type attachment plug cap or busway plug, or is a part of a listed assembly incorporating a manufactured wiring system connector in accordance with 604.6(C), or has a luminaire assembly with a strain relief and canopy having a maximum 152 mm (6 in.) long section of raceway for attachment to an outlet box above a suspended ceiling
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Chris
 
sounds like it meets the last part of c. Youre not running it through a drop ceiling right?

on a sidenote, i would try to get ahold of grey SJTW (or STW if 277v) instead of SO cord -it will look better. (and grey zip ties too)
 
Our inspector here requires stranded MC for chain hung fixtures to handle the movement. So I think that would be more expensive than SO or SJ cord.
 
Cow said:
Our inspector here requires stranded MC for chain hung fixtures to handle the movement. So I think that would be more expensive than SO or SJ cord.
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btharmy said:
NEC '08: 410.56.E requires it as well. :grin:
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Does that section apply to conducrors installed in a raceway or cable or is it for lamp cord or other fixture wire supported by the chain? I don't think it is clear what they mean. We can use solid conductors in flexible conduits for things like motors that have vibration but not for a chain supported luminaire that is not likely to move unless someone is relamping, cleaning or repairing it:confused:
 
kwired said:
Does that section apply to conducrors installed in a raceway or cable or is it for lamp cord or other fixture wire supported by the chain?
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I think that was the argument the last time I brought this subject up on here. Regardless, I still run stranded wire to pass.
 
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