National Electrical Code

Code Q&A

June 12, 2006

Am I required to install the secondary circuit conductors of a low-voltage lighting system (less than 30V) in a raceway or cable like power conductors?

Mike Holt

Q. Am I required to install the secondary circuit conductors of a low-voltage lighting system (less than 30V) in a raceway or cable like power conductors?

A. If the low-voltage conductors will be concealed or extended through a building wall, they must be installed using any Chapter 3 wiring method, such as within a raceway, cable, or enclosure, just like power conductors [411.4(A)(1)]. In addition, if the low-voltage wiring is supplied by a Class 2 power source, it can be installed using the requirements of 725.52. This means you can use 150V cable [725.82(G)], boxes are not required, and the Class 2 conductors cannot be mixed with power conductors in raceways or enclosures unless separated by a barrier [725.55].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.