If I have six florescnt lights and feed the first light from a J-Box with 1/2 in. flex then jump from light to light with 1/2 in. flex, should I consider all flex as fixture whips?
I don't think you can call them whips.Start at 348.30(A) ex.3 and it tells you to go to 410.67(C) the short story is from 'outlet box to fixture' is permited.
Are you saying if i use flex i will not need to strap it from fixture to fixture.Really grid wires are easy.A stick of 1/2 emt and tool is made in 5 minutes.
Here is the explanation from the 2005 NEC Handbook:
Section 348.20(A)(2) makes it clear that 3/8-in. flexible metal conduit is permitted to be used as the manufactured or field-installed metal raceway (1.5 ft to 6 ft in length) to enclose tap conductors between the outlet box and the terminal housing of recessed luminaires. Flexible metal conduit is also permitted to be used as a 6-ft fixture whip from an outlet box to a luminaire.
What this is saying is that a piece of 3/8 FMC can be used to wire from the junction box to a fixture. This conduit would not require support or securing in place if 6' or less in length as stated in 348.30(A) Exception No. 3.