Article 411 Lighting Systems Operating at 30 Volts or Less and Lighting Equipment Connected to Class-2 Power Sources.
Code Change Summary: The title to Article 411 was changed and the article was reorganized.
For many code cycles, Article 411 has applied to lighting systems operating at 30 volts or less. This Article has been the go-to place when dealing with landscape lighting for many years.
Now in the 2014 NEC®, this article includes lighting systems operating at 30 volts or less and lighting equipment connected to class-2 power sources. This still includes most landscape lighting but also includes things like low-voltage LED lighting such as under cabinet lighting.
The article has been reorganized and now section 411.3 provides the voltage limitations previously mentioned in the deleted definition from 411.2. Section 411.3(B) speaks directly to the manufacturers and requires listed Class 2 lighting equipment to be rated in conformance with Chapter 9, Table 11(A) or Table 11(B). These tables are for the listing and testing process only.
Section 411.4 requires Class 2 power sources and lighting equipment connected to Class 2 power sources to be listed.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2011 Code Language:
Lighting Systems Operating at 30 Volts or Less.
411.1 Scope. This article covers lighting systems operating at 30 volts or less and their associated components.
411.2 Definition.
Lighting Systems Operating at 30 Volts or Less. A lighting system consisting of an isolating power supply, the low voltage luminaires, and associated equipment that are all identified for the use. The output circuits of the power supply are rated for not more than 25 amperes and operate at 30 volts (42.4 volts peak) or less under all load conditions.
411.3 Listing Required. Lighting systems operating at 30 volts or less shall comply with 411.3(A) or 411.3(B).
2014 Code Language:
Lighting Systems Operating at 30 Volts or Less and Lighting Equipment Connected to Class-2 Power Sources.
411.1 Scope. This article covers lighting systems operating at 30 volts or less and their associated components. This article also covers lighting equipment connected to a Class 2 power source.
411.3 Low-Voltage Lighting Systems.
(A) General. Lighting systems operating at 30 volts or less shall consist of an isolating power supply, low-voltage luminaires, and associated equipment that are all identified for the use. The output circuits of the power supply shall be rated for 25 amperes and 30 volts (42.4 volts peak) maximum under all load conditions.
(B) Class 2. Listed Class 2 lighting equipment shall be rated in conformance with Chapter 9, Table 11(A) or Table 11(B).
411.4 Listing Required. Lighting systems operating at 30 volts or less shall comply with 411.4(A) or 411.4(B). Class 2 power sources and lighting equipment connected to Class 2 power sources shall be listed.