Wire Size / Fixture Attachment

[OscarG]

I have installed 10 ceiling boxes in a workshop area and intend to put simple porcelain sockets on them to provide general overall lighting. Circuit wired with 12/2 NM between boxes, circuit protected at 20A. Plan to use 150W equivalent CF bulbs so no issue with heat.

Installing the porcelain sockets I had intended to use stranded 16 THHN for pigtails on each to reduce the stress on the socket connections and actually fit the wire under the attachment screw.

Just want to confirm that this use of reduced size wire for fixture attachment is OK. (I have seen plastic sockets with crimped on 18 pigtails.)

[jwelectric]

I have installed 10 ceiling boxes in a workshop area and intend to put simple porcelain sockets on them to provide general overall lighting. Circuit wired with 12/2 NM between boxes, circuit protected at 20A. Plan to use 150W equivalent CF bulbs so no issue with heat.

Installing the porcelain sockets I had intended to use stranded 16 THHN for pigtails on each to reduce the stress on the socket connections and actually fit the wire under the attachment screw.

Just want to confirm that this use of reduced size wire for fixture attachment is OK. (I have seen plastic sockets with crimped on 18 pigtails.)

The size of the Overcurrent Device will mandate the size of the pigtail.

Here you are using 20 amp Overcurrent so the pig tail MUST be #12.

[Speedy Petey]

Mike,

I have to disagree with you. Fixture taps follow different rules. I really do feel 402.10 applies here:

402.10 Uses Permitted
Fixture wires shall be permitted (1) for installation in luminaires (lighting fixtures) and in similar equipment where enclosed or protected and not subject to bending or twisting in use, or (2) for connecting luminaires (lighting fixtures) to the branch-circuit conductors supplying the luminaires (fixtures).

Handbook commentary:
Fixture wire is permitted to be used as a tap conductor to connect a luminaire(s) to the branch circuit conductors. There must be a transition from the branch circuit wiring method to the fixture wire tap conductors. This can be done in a junction box or other fitting that is allowed to contain splices.

I mean think about it. Some Leviton keyless fixtures come with #18 tails as opposed to screws.

[jwelectric]

Pete

For years I though that the fixture could be wired based on the fixture load until I got set straight by one of the code panels at an IAEI meeting.

The simple rule is: if we are installing the conductors we must stay with the same size or larger but never smaller. It is okay for the fixture manufacturer to use smaller conductors as when the fixture is changed the conductors will be changed also.

[Speedy Petey]

The simple rule is: if we are installing the conductors we must stay with the same size or larger but never smaller. It is okay for the fixture manufacturer to use smaller conductors as when the fixture is changed the conductors will be changed also.

I hate to admit it, but I DO understand that logic.

[seaneys]

I completely understand the logic, but...

The pig tails on the ballasts from our local big box home store are 16 ga. There is not a way to change them w/o destroying the ballast. I've been scratching my head on this one for a few weeks.

Steve