Overhead Fixture Wiring - Hanging and Surface Mount Question

[olytdi]

Questions for those that know the electrical code better than I do!

I have a mix of 8-ft LED strip lights I'm installing in my shop: 6 are surface mounted on the truss bottoms and 4 are hanging from jack chain over open floor. I intend to wire them in two banks of 5 fixtures.

All of my surface mount fixtures can be easily wired using romex but how do I wire the hanging fixtures on the same circuit in line with those that are surface mounted? I suspect that I have to use stranded wire to those fixtures that are hanging so is it legit to go from solid wire at the surface mount fixture to stranded wire over to the hanging fixtures?

I also suspect that I have to have it in cladding even the hanging fixtures 11 ft high? MC cable or greenfield?

If yes, what are the requirements for securing the clad wiring that goes from the surface mount fixture over to the hanging fixtures? The distance between the surfaces-mounted and hanging fixtures is about 3 - 4 ft.

Thanks much! Trying to do this easily, inexpensively, but safely!

 

[Zeke]

What is the distance from the hanging fixtures and the nearest framing member? I ask because I would install overhead receptacles and use plugged in cords for the hanging ones.

And, yes, you can switch to stranded from solid.

 

[Norcal]

What is the distance from the hanging fixtures and the nearest framing member? I ask because I would install overhead receptacles and use plugged in cords for the hanging ones.

And, yes, you can switch to stranded from solid.

GFCI protection will be required for cord & plug connected lighting, and chain mounted fixtures are required to wired with stranded wire, unless the OP can find MC cable with stranded wire it is not a option.

 

[olytdi]

The fixtures hang about 5 ft down from the purlins at the roof line to a point 11-1/2 feet from the floor. I didn't want to have to run wire all the way up to the purlins for plug-ins since the hanging fixtures hang at the same height as the under truss-mounted fixtures. And...the hanging fixture ends are only 25 inches from the trusses and within 3 ft of the nearest truss-mounted fixture. I guess I'll just run some stranded wire in some greenfield from the nearest truss-mounted fixture to the closest end of the hanging fixture and call it good.

I don't quite understand why it's acceptable to have a fixture that hangs from jack chain connected by a cord that plugs-in but it isn't acceptable to have a hanging fixture that is hard wired to another fixture. What is unacceptable about the fixed cord and what makes the plug-in acceptable? I would think a fixed wiring situation, properly secured at each fixture with strain-relief would be better than a wired plug that can work loose.

I appreciate the replies!

 

[Norcal]

The fixtures hang about 5 ft down from the purlins at the roof line to a point 11-1/2 feet from the floor. I didn't want to have to run wire all the way up to the purlins for plug-ins since the hanging fixtures hang at the same height as the under truss-mounted fixtures. And...the hanging fixture ends are only 25 inches from the trusses and within 3 ft of the nearest truss-mounted fixture. I guess I'll just run some stranded wire in some greenfield from the nearest truss-mounted fixture to the closest end of the hanging fixture and call it good.

I don't quite understand why it's acceptable to have a fixture that hangs from jack chain connected by a cord that plugs-in but it isn't acceptable to have a hanging fixture that is hard wired to another fixture. What is unacceptable about the fixed cord and what makes the plug-in acceptable? I would think a fixed wiring situation, properly secured at each fixture with strain-relief would be better than a wired plug that can work loose.

I appreciate the replies!

1/2" Greenfield with stranded conductors is fine for suspended fixtures.

 

[olytdi]

Thanks! That's what I'll do!

 

[Zeke]

The fixtures hang about 5 ft down from the purlins at the roof line to a point 11-1/2 feet from the floor. I didn't want to have to run wire all the way up to the purlins for plug-ins since the hanging fixtures hang at the same height as the under truss-mounted fixtures. And...the hanging fixture ends are only 25 inches from the trusses and within 3 ft of the nearest truss-mounted fixture. I guess I'll just run some stranded wire in some greenfield from the nearest truss-mounted fixture to the closest end of the hanging fixture and call it good.

I don't quite understand why it's acceptable to have a fixture that hangs from jack chain connected by a cord that plugs-in but it isn't acceptable to have a hanging fixture that is hard wired to another fixture. What is unacceptable about the fixed cord and what makes the plug-in acceptable? I would think a fixed wiring situation, properly secured at each fixture with strain-relief would be better than a wired plug that can work loose.

I appreciate the replies!

I didn't say hard wiring was unacceptable. I just thought boxes and cords would be easier since you don't have to enter and exit the hanging fixture with wiring. Do the Greenfield and be happy.

 

[olytdi]

I didn't say hard wiring was unacceptable. I just thought boxes and cords would be easier since you don't have to enter and exit the hanging fixture with wiring. Do the Greenfield and be happy.

Gotcha, no worries. Turns out they do make 14/2 stranded mc cable!

 

[Norcal]

Gotcha, no worries. Turns out they do make 14/2 stranded mc cable!

Maybe if you order 10,000 feet it could be custom made.

 

[cybrdyke]

stranded mc cable is very common at electrical supply houses.

 

[olytdi]

Yes, even at big box stores in various lengths. I probably can get away with 25 ft total.

 

[Norcal]

Yes, even at big box stores in various lengths. I probably can get away with 25 ft total.

The MC cable sold at big box stores is in 10-12-14 AWG is usually solid.

 

[olytdi]

HD stranded mc cable

 

[Zeke]

That ^^^^ link went to HD's home page. What are you trying to show? 14 ga. MC that is stranded? Good luck.

 

[olytdi]

Interesting. When I click it, it goes to the item page for:

14/2 x 25 ft. Stranded CU MC (Metal Clad) Armorlite Cable​

 

[cybrdyke]

I'm curious why some of you think that stranded MC isn't a thing. It's been around for years and is extremely common, at least where I live.
CD

 

[Norcal]

I'm curious why some of you think that stranded MC isn't a thing. It's been around for years and is extremely common, at least where I live.
CD

Might be where you are but this is a big country & things are different everywhere. The link to HD does say none is in stock in the local HD store, but is available.