CQD: 3/19/2019

NECA Online Help Desk
Please leave a message

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Question:

Section 300.13(A) prohibits splices and taps within raceways. My question centers around a ceiling fan. In certain cases the height of a ceiling requires the fan to use a longer downrod than was originally supplied with the fan. Some downrods are 8' in length. Occasionally, the length of lead wire supplied with the fan is not long enough to span the entire length of the downrod. In these cases, if a connection/splice is made in the downrod, does it violate Section 300.13(A). I guess my basic question is, is the downrod considered a raceway?

Bill Walker

Answer:

Hey Bill thanks for your question. The definition of Raceway in Article 100 is sufficiently broad enough that a paddle fan "downrod" could be included. But it would likely not be included in any of the specific raceway types that are defined in the XXX.2 sections of Chapter 3. Splices are generally only allowed in raceways that have removable covers.

The "downrod" you are describing would also likely be part of the paddle fan "kit" or available as an accessory. Ideally the instructions with the fan, that are reviewed by the testing laboratory certifying the fan, would include the instructions for which fans are intended to be used with specific downrods or how they are to be installed.

Is the fan motor available with longer leads? Is there space in the fan assembly for splices to be made? If the fan instructions do not give specific instructions allowing splices in downrods it seems they would not be.

ABOUT CQD: The Code Question of the Day (CQD) is NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine’s flagship National Electrical Code (NEC®) public forum for the industry, sponsored by EATON. The daily distribution of Q&A generates a lively dialogue and shares relative Code-based practical responses.

SUBMIT YOUR CODE QUESTION: Click here to submit a question to for inclusion in an upcoming edition of the Code Question of the Day, or email codequestion@necanet.org.

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.

NECA STANDARDS: NECA publishes the National Electrical Installation Standards™ (NEIS™), a series of ANSI-approved performance and quality standards for electrical construction. NEIS can be purchased in the NECA Store in three formats: a printed or PDF download of a standard or, as an annual subscription service.

NECA SAFETY PRODUCTS & PUBLICATIONS: NECA produces electrical safety publications and products for the industry including jobsite safety guides, handbooks and resource kits. View a full listing of available resources and products »

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®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services.

UPDATE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PREFERENCES: Subscribe or Unsubscribe from this list.

National Electrical Installation Standards

Question:

Answer:

Follow Us on: