Fixture wires used as pendant conductors for incandescent luminaires with intermediate or candelabra-base lampholders shall not be smaller than _____ AWG.
a) 22
b) 18
c) 16
d) 14
See answer and applicable Code reference
The correct answer is: b) 18
Article 410 covers the requirements for luminaires, lampholders and lamps. The rules for wiring are outlined in Part VI of this Article. As noted in Sec. 410.54(B), "Unless part of listed decorative lighting assemblies, pendant conductors shall not be smaller than 14 AWG for mogul-base or medium-base screw shell lampholders or smaller than 18 AWG for intermediate or candelabra-base lampholders."
See Sec. 402.6 for a similar requirement.
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.