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A luminaire that weighs more than what amount must be supported independently of the outlet box?

  1. 25 pounds

  2. 35 pounds

  3. 50 pounds

  4. 75 pounds

The correct answer is: 50 pounds

A luminaire that weighs more than 50 pounds must be supported independently of the outlet box to ensure safety and structural integrity. This requirement is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which dictate that outlet boxes, especially those not specifically rated for heavy fixtures, are not designed to support luminaires of significant weight. Using a support system independent of the outlet box minimizes the risk of failure or damage due to the weight of the luminaire, which can lead to potential hazards such as fixtures falling and causing injury or property damage. In practice, for luminaires exceeding this weight threshold, an independent support mechanism such as a ceiling joist or a purpose-built mounting bracket should be used for proper installation.