Conductor Installation Ratings for Strip Lights in Theaters and Studios

Sept. 23, 2014

On fixed stage equipment, portable strip lights and connector strips shall be wired with conductors having insulation rated suitable for the temperature but not less than _____.

a) 75°C
b) 90°C
c) 125°C
d) 200°C

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: c) 125°C

Article 520 covers all buildings or structures that used for presentation, dramatic, musical, motion picture projection or similar purposes along with the seating areas in motion picture or television studios. Part III of this Article covers the fixed stage equipment other than switchboards. As per the first sentence of Sec. 520.42, "Foot, border, proscenium, or portable strip lights and connector strips shall be wired with conductors that have insulation suitable for the temperature at which the conductors are operated, but not less than 125°C."

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.