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Code Q&A: Luminaires in Ducts or Hoods

Oct. 9, 2014

NEC guidelines for installing luminaires in commercial cooking hoods

Mike Holt

Q. What restrictions does the NEC put on the installation of luminaires in commercial cooking hoods?

Find the Answer

A. Luminaires can be installed in commercial cooking hoods if all of the following conditions are met [410.10(C)]:

• The luminaire is identified for use within commercial cooking hoods.

• The luminaire is constructed so that all exhaust vapors, grease, oil, or cooking vapors are excluded from the lamp and wiring compartment.

• The luminaire is corrosion resistant, or protected against corrosion, and the surface must be smooth so as not to collect deposits and to facilitate cleaning.

• Wiring methods and materials supplying the luminaire must not be exposed within the cooking hood.

Note: Standard gasketed luminaires must not be installed in a commercial cooking hood because accumulations of grease and oil can result in a fire caused by high temperatures on the glass globe.

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.