Modifying a
UL listed device/assembly in any way voids its listing.
That said,
I'm not sure an AHJ can disallow the use of an unmodified UL listed device. They can absolutely REQUIRE the use of listed devices and disallow non-listed.. But they can't prohibit you from using a listed device for an arbitrary reason. If they banned clip lights simply for the
type of cord despite its UL listing, they would have to extend that to everything - including computers/laptops, mixers, consoles, coffee pots, vacuum cleaners,
etc etc etc etc etc. The exception to this is they CAN tag you for using a
UL listed device in an unapproved manner, IE: a cliplight that has been 'permanently' mounted (screwed to a wall,
cord stapled to the wall,
etc),
cord running through a wall, permanently mounted J
cord,
etc.
Late reply? Heck YES!, but I did not ressurect the thread, someone else did! SO THERE! (BTW, indeed use BLUE not RED).
Actually they
CAN and DO. There are different "ratings" depending on the situation. You could for instance not use a normal light in an area that is required to be "explosion proof", even though the normal light is UL/
CSA/
etc approved.
I am not sure about the codes in the USA, however here in Canada (while they tend to be VERY SIMILAR) there are specific codes that pertain to
theatre and performance spaces including codes pertaining to
wire and
cord type and mechanical protection of electrical devices.
I left my code
book at work so I can't quote you exactly however in general on a
theatre stage "cable is to be of hard useage or better", wiring methods must provide "mechanical protection of installed wiring", and electrical panels require further mechanical protection (seen that one violated many times too, without inspectors minding too much). All that basically boils down to, is the code expects that things on a
stage may be subject to things like nearby rigging and moving set pieces, not to mention actors and
etc etc etc all that fun stuff that happens in performance spaces that has the capability to ruin some things and generally make electrical devices have a not so nice day.
The
wire on a
clip light DOES NOT meet these codes. However typically this is ignored as the device is "not permanent" and is in theory monitored for damage.
That and "extension cords" MAY NOT BE USED for permanent use (at all ever, anywhere), and cords like that can not be "permanently installed" in many ways that various work likes and clip lights sometimes are.
Therefore the
AHJ is well within their
power and completely justified in not liking "permanent use" of clip lights and other lights.
NOTE: Yes there are fixtures
etc. that are rated "residential only", "commercial",
etc. It can still be UL approved, but not approved for where you want.
