National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Question:

Hi Charlie, we are preparing to start pulling electrical conductors into conduits roughed into the building columns. These conduits stub out of the top of the columns and will serve as the branch-circuits supplying light fixtures mounted on top of the columns. What is the correct way to make this an approved installation? Please include any code references. Thank You, Barry Perkins
A

Answer:

Hello Barry, thanks for participating in the CQD. There are many ways to accomplish this task and it would be difficult to cover them all. It all starts with the luminaire; Section 410.6 requires all luminaires to be listed. The luminaire being installed on the top of these columns must be listed for that specific type of installation, and then it must be installed in accordance with the provided instructions. The installation instructions will provide guidance on the wiring method, the box type used for connection, and how the luminaire is mounted. I would also advise you review Section 110.14 for guidance on electrical connections/splices.

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

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