Code Quiz of Day

Approved Wiring for Portable Luminaires

May 26, 2015

Article 410 focuses on luminaires, lampholders and lamps.

Portable luminaires shall be wired with _____ recognized by Sec. 400.4, and have an attachment plug of the polarized or grounding type.

a) flexible cable
b) flexible cord
c) nonmetallic flexible cable
d) nonmetallic flexible cord

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: b) flexible cord

Article 410 focuses on luminaires, lampholders and lamps. Part VII of this Article covers the construction of luminaires. As noted in Sec. 410.82(A), "Portable luminaires shall be wired with flexible cord recognized by 400.4 and an attachment plug of the polarized or grounding type. Where used with Edison-base lampholders, the grounded conductor shall be identified and attached to the screw shell and the identified blade of the attachment plug."

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.