Wiring sun tunnel dimmer in flat roof

2 years ago

My contractor doesn't know how to wire a sun tunnel dimmer, and right now the power cord and controller unit are hanging on the ceiling, which is ugly.

I found some instructions here

https://p11.secure.hostingprod.com/@earthtechproducts.com/ssl/PDFs/natural-light-dimmer_install.pdf

but my contractor said the diagram there shows an attic space, but we have a flat roof and the power outlet, controller unit, and power cord would have to be hidden in the ceiling, which is inaccessible, and most probably non-compliant.

We're thinking of using an access panel, but we're not entirely sure if that's code compliant, either.

Any suggestions?

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Comments (2)

PRO
HALLETT & Co.
2 years ago
So I’m assuming you have a ceiling/ roof framed with 2/12s or so with at least 16” between them. I would move the outlet and the cord and plug into that space, patch the drywall, then add a 4” square access panel the ceiling color. It will be less visible than what you have now.
David H thanked HALLETT & Co.
kaseki
2 years ago
You are allowed to have "inaccessible" wiring, but not inaccessible electrical connections. So Hallett & Co. advice is well founded. I would use a larger access panel to ease working in the "hole."

Although I am not familiar with this product, the photo suggests that it might be possible to have the control lever above the ceiling as well as the wiring. Positioning in the space depends on rafter layout and insulation.

You may want to have a frame for the access panel. A sheet metal shop (or even a picture framing shop, perhaps) could fabricate one. Or a blanked off register as to the right in the photo could be considered.
David H thanked kaseki
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