Tube lights

[Ron Bishop]

Is anyone aware of a safety hazard involving the use of tube lighting?

[Scott Patterson]

They are just like Christmas lights. I'm seeing more and more of them used as accent up lighting in homes. They are plugging them into outlets set in the area that they are lighting.

[Jerry Peck]

Those rope lights are, as Scott said, turning up more often.

They are DIY lights in most cases and are typically installed incorrectly, not just the electrical extension cord, but, in the case in the photo - those are creating a trip and fall hazard on that tread.

Is that an orange extension cord, or unprotected NM cable? Does not really matter, NEITHER is allowed there like that. Also looks like white zip cord (lamp cord) along the stringer too.

I guess having a trip and fall hazard next to two self-igniters is the new in thing? ;)

[Ron Bishop]

ay caramba....

[Eric Barker]

I've always figured these to be decorative/temporary lights and have not given much attention to them. Not sure if this is the appropriate approach but it's my current M.O. - subject to chance.

[Jerry Peck]

I've always figured these to be decorative/temporary lights

Eric,

Once they are "permanently attached", i.e., "stapled" or otherwise secured in place ...

They are no longer 'temporary', they are permanent and required permanent wiring.

The one in the photo is stapled in place.

Regardless, though, if that were laying on the steps and 'not' stapled in place, it would still be a trip hazard.

[Shannon Guinn]

Eric,

Once they are "permanently attached", i.e., "stapled" or otherwise secured in place ...

They are no longer 'temporary', they are permanent and required permanent wiring.

The one in the photo is stapled in place.

Regardless, though, if that were laying on the steps and 'not' stapled in place, it would still be a trip hazard.


And unless they are plugged into a GFCI it would be a shock hazard as well.:eek: