Thread: light fixture in kitchen

Came across a kitchen light fixture over the sink that was plugged into a wall outlet. Should this not be hard wired?

Thanks in advance,

Sidney Alstad

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Hard wired? Maybe or maybe not. Depends on the fixture type. Have any photo's?

If it is considered temporary,it can be plugged,but if permanent must be hard wired,it is judgement call,safety,etc.

Originally Posted by Robert Meier

Hard wired? Maybe or maybe not. Depends on the fixture type. Have any photo's?

No pictures, but it is a single tube flourescent light fixture.

It's a judgement call based on the individual situation. A cord and plug cannot be used as a substitute for fixed wiring but certainly a fixture manufactured with a cord can plug can be installed.

Is the fixture hanging on chains where it could be easily and readily 'unhooked' and taken away? (temporary)
Is the fixture secured in place with screws. (permanent)
Is the cord and plug just hanging from the fixture or draped over sway hooks? (temporary)
Is the cord and plug stapled or otherwise secured in place? (permanent)

If only 'temporary' items above apply, then it may indeed be 'temporary' and be suitable to be left as it is.

If any 'permanent' item above apply, then it is 'permanent' and needs to be properly and permanently wired in place.

410.62 (C)

Electric-Discharge and LED Luminaires.

(1) Cord-Connected Installation. A luminaire or a listed
assembly shall be permitted to be cord connected if the
following conditions apply:
(1) The luminaire is located directly under the outlet or
busway.
__________________________________________________ __________

Plugged into a wall receptacle doesn't cut it.

Originally Posted by Al Neuman

410.62 (C)

Electric-Discharge and LED Luminaires.

(1) Cord-Connected Installation. A luminaire or a listed
assembly shall be permitted to be cord connected if the
following conditions apply:
(1) The luminaire is located directly under the outlet or
busway.
__________________________________________________ __________

Plugged into a wall receptacle doesn't cut it.

Given the information at hand I don't see how you can make that determination. If the cord were a substitute for fixed wiring then I agree that the installation is NG. Certainly a florescent desk lamp with a cord a plug can be plugged in anywhere not just to a receptacle above it. And what about a fluorescent under cabinet light?

Originally Posted by Robert Meier

Given the information at hand I don't see how you can make that determination. If the cord were a substitute for fixed wiring then I agree that the installation is NG. Certainly a florescent desk lamp with a cord a plug can be plugged in anywhere not just to a receptacle above it. And what about a fluorescent under cabinet light?

I could be wrong, but I agree. We are seeing a lot of these home-owner installed (attached with screws) light fixtures with attached power cords. If they've installed them according to the manufacturer's instructions, I can recommend that they upgrade to permanent wiring, but that's about it.

Now this wiring in the garage from a couple of weeks ago, I had no problem calling out as a defect that needed repair. In this case, I'm pretty sure the power cords were attached by the home owner.