Ecmweb 24520 20190425 Ecm Wwh Code Watch 2 Rev 1024

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Droopy Downlight

April 25, 2019
Which section of the NEC is violated by this dangling luminaire?

Hint: Droopy downlight

See the answer below.

Whoops! It looks like the plastic anchors that were used to secure this box have come loose. This luminaire is now in danger of falling onto pedestrians below, which could cause serious personal injuries if it were to hit someone in the head.

Section 314.23(A) requires surface-mounted boxes to be rigidly and securely fastened in place. Additional supports are required if the mounting surface does not provide adequate support. Perhaps using metal anchors would have been a better choice for support of a heavy luminaire.

Section 410.30(A) similarly requires luminaires to be securely supported. Section 410.36(A) does permit outlet boxes to support luminaires, but in any case, it must be done in a manner that both the box and the luminaire will be properly supported and secured, and neither the box or luminaire will fall. Fixing this situation should be relatively easy, but it needs to be done before it hurts someone.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

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