Hardwiring DC power supplies - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

glowmaster · 10-09-2009, 04:46 PM

Hi There

First post. I run a company called Photoglow and we make illuminated panels for image and direct lighting. I want to introduce a product that has LEDs to illuminate 2 x 2 ceiling tiles. One model takes 12V less than 1amp. Other model takes about 12V 5 A.

I usually use small plug in switching power supplies for power. I know this wont work to code in a ceiling. Anybody out there know a way to get this DC to my units in a commercial ceiling code.

Thanks!

ed sinofsky
glowmaster.

MDShunk · 10-09-2009, 06:00 PM

DC? Hmmm... surely there are some commercially available hardwired DC power supplies, that come in a NEMA type enclosure with a UL listing. I'm just drawing a blank at the moment. Maybe one of the emergency lighting manufacturers.

wingz · 10-09-2009, 06:10 PM

I am probably wrong, but I thought that the prohibition against cords in suspended ceilings, 400.8(2), was for line voltage, low voltage or class 2 and 3 cables are in Article 725 and I do not recall any prohibition in that section for this install.

mcclary's electrical · 10-09-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingz

I am probably wrong, but I thought that the prohibition against cords in suspended ceilings, 400.8(2), was for line voltage, low voltage or class 2 and 3 cables are in Article 725 and I do not recall any prohibition in that section for this install.

Exhibit 725.2 show how to do this correctly. This is a class 1 power limited circuit.

steelersman · 10-09-2009, 07:06 PM

We used something similar to this in the Pentagon and mounted it on din rail inside of an enclosure above the ceiling and supplied it with 120 volts.

http://www.powersupplydirect.com/Pro...FeRL5QodfT1TiA

RIVETER · 10-24-2009, 10:42 PM

Glowmaster, I have not seen these. Are you powering a remote DC power supply and then running branch circuits
of DC voltage to the lighting?

brian john · 10-25-2009, 12:30 AM

DC distribution panel with OCP and branch circuit wiring to meet NEC to each panel.

Or design a system with a Junction box that can hold the power supply and hard wire to the LED system with NEC approved wiring methods.

Jlarson · 10-27-2009, 10:55 PM

I would just do like Steelerman said put a DIN mount power supply in a NEMA 1 pull box. You could throw a mini breaker and some DIN terminal blocks in there too make it a clean and easy install. Also check out Hoffman Engineering, they make a NEMA 1 box with perfpanel (back panel with holes) so there are no screws sticking out the back.