Install light fixture under pvc drain line


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Old 01-17-18, 11:46 PM
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Install light fixture under pvc drain line

Hello everyone,

I have a ac unit that is attached to the ceiling in my area. It has a pvc condensation pipe going out of it. The pvc pipe is well wrapped in insulation wrap that starts from where it comes out of the ac unit to about 12 feet from the ac unit; the rest of the pvc pipe isn't wrapped. The pvc pipe is held up by sturdy 1/2" threaded rods that are attached to the ceiling; the 1/2" threaded rods have a strong metal loop at the end were the pvc pipe runs through it.

I need lighting in this area in a particular spot and it would be nice if I could install the lighting under the condensation pipe with the fluorescent lights attached to the 1/2" threaded rods with the loop on the end. The threaded rods are very sturdy. What I am worried about is is it acceptable to install fluorescent lighting under condensation pipe like that. The condensation pipe is well wrapped with insulation 12' from the start of the unit but the rest isn't. So I was worried that perhaps condensation from that part my occur and drip on the fluorescent lights.

I honestly cannot see why this would be a problem because I see fluorescent lights installed under water pipes but I figured that I better ask.

I hope you understand what I wrote. I did my best.

Mike
 
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Old 01-18-18, 08:54 AM
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Here you can see the condensation pipe and stuff I was referring to:
Name:  pvc.JPG
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If image doesn’t show it is here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18m...JRb_mbkbS9bBN2
 

Last edited by PJmax; 01-18-18 at 03:24 PM. Reason: added pic from link
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Old 01-18-18, 09:09 AM
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Nothing is going to drip off of that pipe unless there is a crack/hole or leaking fitting, all of which are unlikely. I bet the reason part of the pipe is wrapped is so it blends in with the black ceiling.
 
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Old 01-18-18, 03:18 PM
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Thanks, in the picture you can also see the threaded rods with loop on the end that holds the pvc up. Can I attach a wire to the loop of it which can be used to hang the lights from.

Thanks, I just don’t want to do anything that is bad.
 
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Old 01-18-18, 03:25 PM
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In my opinion.... any hanging hardware for the light fixture should go directly to the steel. Use #12 jack chain if not a heavy fixture. Chain is easy to work with.

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Old 01-19-18, 09:40 AM
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Will do Pete... thanks for the help.
 
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Old 01-19-18, 12:58 PM
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Oh, forgot something. It is acceptable to use an extension cord for a fluorescent light that is put in like this? I once heard somebody say that the outlet needs to be 6' from it; but intuitively I cannot see it to be a big deal. I plan on running the extension cord along the metal upper beams so for appearance it is out of sight.
 
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Old 01-19-18, 08:46 PM
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Technically an extension cord can only be used for a temporary connection. We would get rubber SJ cord and connect it to the new fixture and install a plug at the other end. Basically the same thing.
 
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Old 01-20-18, 06:40 AM
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This looks like a commercial installation. I would wire the fixture with MC cable. You can zip tie the cable to the jack chain for a neat installation.
 
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Old 01-21-18, 05:50 PM
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The NEC does not list a minimum distance from the fixture to the receptacle.
 
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Old 01-27-18, 10:35 AM
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I just looked at the fluorescent lights and they don't have a typical connection. It doesn't seem like I can access the inner components either. There is no punch hole anywhere on it either. This is what it looks like:
 
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Old 01-27-18, 10:48 AM
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This is what the cable looks like:
 
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Old 01-28-18, 01:21 PM
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I would get a commercial grade fixture or at least one where you can access the ballast & wiring to install a grounded cord.

I assume the fixture has a metal body? If so I would get one with a grounded (Three Prong) cord.

I attached the picture of your cord so people can see it.

Do you have the make and model and or a picture of the whole fixture?
 
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Old 01-28-18, 06:07 PM
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Can I modify that cord so that it is longer. I think there is a way to splice the cord together with a longer cord but don't know if it is to code. But this is the link to it:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

From what I can see these are the specs:
model: DBSL-4P40W50

other info: LeonLite 40W 4ft Linkable LED Utility Shop Light, Double-Tube T8 LED, 4000lm 120W Equivalent, ETL & Energy Star Certified Suit for Garage, Workbench, Office, Warehouse, 5000K Daylight, Pack of 4
 
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Old 01-28-18, 08:15 PM
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You would add the receptacle closer to where the light will be hung.
 
 

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