Interpretation of Code for fluorescent plug-in fixtures

[Quijote]

I bought several of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-Lighting-4-Light-Grey-Heavy-Duty-Shoplight-1284GRD-RE/202968125

to light up my garage. They are designed to be daisy chained. The built-in receptacle is good for 5A and each fixture pulls 1.5A max, so in theory, one can safely run up to 4 daisy chained fixtures of of one outlet receptacle.

My layout has, in effect, a row of 4 fixtures (the long way) with a a typical outlet (two receptacles) in the middle. I am only daisy chaining 2 fixtures instead of the 4 allowed and that pair then plugs into its own receptacle in the ceiling. The circuit is not being taxed - 80% @ peak load and closer to 60% @ continuous load.

I thought all was good. Then yesterday I read the MEC (Mass electrical code) and found this:

"CONNECTION OF FIXTURES. In general, fluorescent fixtures when supported
independently of the outlet box shall be connected through metal raceways
or armored conductors. This requirement may be waived when grounding type
cord-equipped fixtures are suspended directly below the outlet box and the
exposed cord is not subject to strain or physical damage."

If I'm reading this correctly, I'm screwed. I have short cables going from one fixture to the next not in a raceway or armored, and while the cables are very high up and IMO out of risk of mechanical damage, the fixtures are not DIRECTLY under the outlets.

Am I misinterpreting the code? Why bother selling these in MA if an important selling feature (ability to daisy chain) is not code compliant?

 

[rockwithjason]

the why sell question is simple, people buy them. here in vegas we have several local code amendments that make much of the cctv equipment sold unusable without modifications. dumb depot has no idea what codes are, they just stock what they think will sell or has sold in the past

 

[nehog]

...

Am I misinterpreting the code? Why bother selling these in MA if an important selling feature (ability to daisy chain) is not code compliant?

They will tell you that that outlet is not for daisy chaining but a utility outlet.

Personally if you don't have to pass an inspection, I'd go ahead and daisy chain as you planned. If you do have to pass an inspection, install the second lights after the inspection. In NH this would not be a major issue.

 

[pattenp]

You're okay. The fixture you have is corded. The raceway requirement is for hardwired fixtures not having cords with plugs.

 

[Quijote]

They will tell you that that outlet is not for daisy chaining but a utility outlet.

Personally if you don't have to pass an inspection, I'd go ahead and daisy chain as you planned. If you do have to pass an inspection, install the second lights after the inspection. In NH this would not be a major issue.

Well, it's easy to get around it if I had to. Right now the fixtures are hanging from zip ties just so that I can be sure they are where I want them to be. I could pull them all and pass inspection and then install them wherever I want. Or just put a couple directly under the outlets per the language in the code and change it later.

 

[pattenp]

You are over reading the code. Outlet box does not mean a box with receptacles. It's a box at which power can be taken, either by hardwire or by a plug-in device. The code section you've posted is directed to hardwired fixtures with a wavier for cord-n-plug fixtures. The only way to get your answer is to call your local electrical inspector.

 

[Highbeam]

Plug in stuff is portable, temporary. It is reasonable to add more after inspection. You probably aren't required to permit everything you plug in. Like, i got this new toaster, I'd better call for my electrical permit.....no.

 

[Quijote]

OK, thanks!