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Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Question:

Greetings,

I was just wondering, is it a code violation to wire in commercial fixtures continuously using mc cable? I was told by an inspector years back that I have to use mc cable from the outlet box, then I am only able to us metallic flex for the rest of the fixtures, and I cannot continue with the MC cable, or I will be violating a code? Is this correct, or was he overusing his authority?

Matthew Sexton

A

Answer:

Hello Matthew, Thanks for the question. MC cable can be used as the branch circuit wiring between luminaires connected to that circuit. Be careful not to confuse the pre-whipped luminaires that have 18 AWG conductors with full size 12 AWG conductors within an MC cable assembly. The prefabricated fixture whips containing tap conductors smaller than the required branch circuit conductors, typically are intended only for a connection to the outlet box containing the full size branch circuit conductors. See NEC Section 210.19(A)(4) and 410.117. We cannot comment on an inspector overusing his or her authority.

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