Track lighting and dimmers.

[hbiss]

Does the Code allow track lighting to be controlled by dimmers? Although I have done it I have never been sure if it is correct.

404.14(E) says:

General-use dimmer switches shall be used only to control permanently installed incandescent luminaires (lighting fixtures) unless listed for the control of other loads and installed accordingly.

410.101(A) says:

Lighting Track.
Lighting track shall be permanently installed and permanently connected to a branch circuit. Only lighting track fittings shall be installed on lighting track. Lighting track shall not be equipped with general purpose receptacles.

Question is are the heads considered part of the track assembly or not? I say they are not but there are lighting manufacturers who say their heads can be used with a dimmer.

I wouldn't consider the track to be any different than receptacles on a wall. The customer is free to connect many different types of heads, some of which are fluorescent, LV with transformers and electronic transformers and HID.

-Hal

 

[charlie]

Re: Track lighting and dimmers.

Hal, lighting track is unique but it is not likely to have a vacuum cleaner or similar item used with it. It is my opinion that dimmers may be installed if the customer wants a dimmer. The customer should know what he is going to use with the track so let him decide. I don't think this is a Code issue.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Track lighting and dimmers.

I have performed work in a condo that at the original installation, a receptacle was installed near the ceiling in the dining area that is controlled by a wall switch. There is no ceiling outlet. Many of the units have a lighting fixture "swagged" over to the receptacle and many have a dimmer for light control.

I wonder if change would be accepted to the NEC allowing a receptacle to be on a dimmer control that is not in a readily accesible place, or that is dedicated to the equipment connected to it. Similar to that of GFCI exceptions in garages.

It is obvious for the case above that the receptacle will not be used for other purposes.

 

[physis]

Re: Track lighting and dimmers.

I think rather than changing the code the thing could have been built with a lighting outlet instead of a receptacle in the ceiling.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Track lighting and dimmers.

I'm with sam on that one. We all know nothing is obvious when it somes to the things people come up with. I see nothing that prohibits the use of a dimmer on track lighting.