Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I said chain lights but I really meant rope lights. They are used as mood lighting behind crown molding in a raised master bedroom ceiling. I really don’t see anything wrong with it but I thought I’d run it by the boyz.
Originally Posted By: kelliott This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Following the 3 main rules we memorized when I went to inspector school:
Is it functioning as intended
Is it installed correctly
Is it safe
Rope lights are pretty low amp draw, so don't think there's a heat problem. As for installed correctly, which is what you're asking, how does it end up in the attic? If theres not a cord fraying issue, I don't see a problem.
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joe may come along with the article but basically you can’t route a cord through a hole in a ceiling or wall.
It is not the most serious violation in the world but it does have electrical and energy issues when you poke a hole in the ceiling big enough to get a plug through.
Originally Posted By: wdecker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I would call out the fact that the outlet was facing up and could, in an attic, allow water to drip into it. I like to see outlets in attics and other out-of-the-way places mounted on a wall or facing down (like in a garage), not pointing up.
Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
After Greg and Jeffs posts, I revised my thinking and wrote it up something like this:
The rope lighting behind crown molding in raised ceilings is plugged into electrical outlets in the attic space (see picture). The cords serving the rope lights may not pass through ceiling or walls, use of extension cords is prohibited in this application. I could not determine if extension cords are used (moving insulation is outside of the scope of this inspection) but it appears obvious that the cords serving the rope lights must pass through the drywall to enter the rooms. The electrical outlets for the rope lights should be installed inside the rooms that they serve.
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Will they really must have some strange rules in Chicago. There are lots of motors greater than 1/2 HP cord and plug connected. A good vacuum cleaner may be bigger than that. Any decent garage compressor will be 1hp or greater as will be any real pool pump. I have hand tools with > 1/2 hp motors in them.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Otherwise I would have expanded a bit on my previous post.
Simply, extension cords are not listed for use as a means for permanent power supply. They are manufactured and listed as means of temporary power supply.
The installation in your picture appears that this is intended to be permanent. Couple that with Greg's points, and I think it's prudent that you recommend corrections.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
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