Light Fixture Grounding Wire
Light Fixture Grounding Wire
(OP)
I am looking to replace several recessed dimming incandescent light fixtures. However, these were installed over 20 years ago and there is no equipment grounding conductor in the lighting branch circuits. Only a hot and neutral conductor.
The new fixtures will be recessed dimming CFL and the intent was to reuse the lighting branch circuits. From what I understand, NEC Art. 250 requires an equipment grounding conductor for this installation so reusing the existing conductors would not meet code.
Would this be applicable to lighting fixture replacements as well? I am not sure if the circuits need to be brought up to code if we are only replacing the fixtures.
Does it make a difference if we did a retrofit instead of fixture replacement?
Please advise.
Thank you very much.
The new fixtures will be recessed dimming CFL and the intent was to reuse the lighting branch circuits. From what I understand, NEC Art. 250 requires an equipment grounding conductor for this installation so reusing the existing conductors would not meet code.
Would this be applicable to lighting fixture replacements as well? I am not sure if the circuits need to be brought up to code if we are only replacing the fixtures.
Does it make a difference if we did a retrofit instead of fixture replacement?
Please advise.
Thank you very much.





RE: Light Fixture Grounding Wire
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Light Fixture Grounding Wire
If you were to be in California, CEC 410.18(B) states:"Luminaires directly wired or attached to outlets supplied by a wiring method that does not provide a ready means for grounding shall be made of insulating material and shall have no exposed conductive parts."
There is an exception, (No 2), which states: "Where no equipment grounding conductor exists at the outlet, replacement luminaires that are GFCI protected shall not be required to be connected to an equipment grounding conductor."
I hope that is of some help.
Regards,
EEJaime