Code Q&A

Aug. 21, 2008

What is the smallest size wire you can use for a lighting fixture whip?

Q. What is the smallest size wire you can use for a lighting fixture whip?

A. Fixture wires as small as 18 AWG are allowed to run from the luminaire to an outlet box, as long as the conductors are not more than 6 feet long [410.117(C)], and they are connected to a circuit rated not more than 20A [240.5(B)(2)].

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.