Wiring in trees.

[drg]

We hooked some motion sensor lighting in the trees for a new home out in the country, along with article 410.16(h) that allows this...(ran pvc underground 18" along with UF and came straight up the tree trunk) would it have been ok to hook some weather proof enclosers that contained receptacles also on the trees ???

Im thinking it would be ok to add these but not 100% sure if that is true.

 

[websparky]

Re: Wiring in trees.

ran pvc underground 18" along with UF and came straight up the tree trunk

Please consider these requirements also.

300.5 (D) Protection from Damage. Direct-buried conductors and cables shall be protected from damage in accordance with (1) through (5).
(1) Emerging from Grade. Direct-buried conductors and enclosures emerging from grade shall be protected by enclosures or raceways extending from the minimum cover distance required by 300.5(A) below grade to a point at least 2.5 m (8 ft) above finished grade. In no case shall the protection be required to exceed 450 mm (18 in.) below finished grade.

(4) Enclosure or Raceway Damage. Where the enclosure or raceway is subject to physical damage, the conductors shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, Schedule 80 rigid nonmetallic conduit, or equivalent.

406.8 (B) Wet Locations.
(1) 15- and 20-Ampere Outdoor Receptacles. 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles installed outdoors in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.

 

[steve66]

Re: Wiring in trees.

Dave:

Do you know if there is any exception for low voltage lighting with regard to conduit being required for up to 8'?

Steve

 

[satcom]

Re: Wiring in trees.

"We hooked some motion sensor lighting in the trees for a new home out in the country,"

Lighting in the trees, may be allowed, however after many calls to remove such lighting, due to hits that followed the cable back, into the house and tosted everything in it,s path, i would not consider wiring in trees.

 

[websparky]

Re: Wiring in trees.

Hi Steve,

No, I don't recall any exceptions for low voltage. However, if you follow the manufacturer's instructions you should be OK for the usual types of installs.

I agree with "satcom" in that the tree mounted lights are often times a great source of problems when they are not low voltage systems. Also when the trees sway in a good wind, the conduit can be destroyed in a short period of time!

 

[drg]

Re: Wiring in trees.

Responses appreciated and considered.

John