All references are based on the 2014 edition of the NEC.
Fan Appreciation Day
Looking at this photo raises many questions in my mind — the first one being: “What were they thinking?” I also wonder how the installer supported this fan, and how did he or she route the wiring to it?
In my opinion, this abandoned luminaire should have been removed. Although there may not be a Code rule that specifically states it must be removed, leaving it in place may qualify as a violation of the “neat and workmanlike” requirements of Sec. 110.12.
Section 410.64 may permit luminaires to be used as a
raceway, but nowhere in Art. 410 does it permit luminaires to be used as a support for appliances such as this ceiling-suspended paddle fan. Section 422.18 requires paddle fans to be supported by boxes listed for the support of fans or the fan shall be supported independently of the box. However, this doesn’t mean it would be OK to hang the fan from a luminaire.
I also wonder how someone would gain access to the wiring supplying this fan. Do the wires pass through the old fixture? Is there a box mounted inside the fixture or perhaps buried above it? So many questions, yet so few answers.
Faulty Fixture Needs to be Fixed
It looks like it’s time to replace this broken fixture. Not only will the light not be properly directed to where it was intended to shine, but these dangling lampholders are also in danger of causing a short circuit.
Section 110.12(B) states in part: “There shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect the safe operation.” Well, I think this situation definitely meets the definition of dangerous damaged parts — not to mention the fact that water may find its way inside the box.
Section 410.10(A) requires luminaires and lampholders in damp or wet locations to be installed in a manner that water cannot enter the fixture. Obviously, this broken unit won’t be able to keep water out in a driving rain storm.
These broken lampholders are no longer securely supported as simply stated in the first sentence of Sec. 410.30(A). The broken sections are also no longer grounded, which creates a dangerous violation of Sec. 410.44.