What is the NEC?
The NEC is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is revised every three years. The 2005 NEC has recently been released for publication and is currently available from the NFPA at www.nfpa.org.

What changed in the NEC?
The NEC change regarding open luminaires is the new section 410.73(F)(5) that states, "Metal Halide Lamp Containment. Luminaires (fixtures) that use a metal halide lamp other than a thick-glass parabolic reflector lamp (PAR) shall be provided with a containment barrier that encloses the lamp, or shall be provided with a physical means that only allows the use of a lamp that is Type O." (See ANSI Standard C78.387, listed in Resources, for more information on lamp types.)

Therefore, to meet the 2005 NEC requirements, luminaires that use metal halide lamps must either:
• Be enclosed to provide a containment barrier.
• Use a special lampholder that will only accept an ANSI Type O rated metal halide lamp.

When did the 2005 NEC take effect?
January 1, 2005, but adoption of the it varies from state to state. Based on adoption of the 2002 NEC changes, several states could adopt the 2005 code immediately with approximately half the states adopting in the first year.

How will this change affect Venture?
Venture Lighting fully supports the NEC changes. They simplify the metal halide systems options available and will also reduce the potential risks associated with failure when properly following the warnings and instructions for systems that specify open luminaires with Type S lamps. All lamps produced by Venture Lighting meet or exceed the requirements to receive an O rating, and can be used with confidence to meet the new requirements of the NEC. Venture Lighting provides the industry's widest selection of lamps that meet or exceed ANSI C78.387 testing requirements for a Type O rating.

What is the ANSI test?
The ANSI containment test was developed by the ANSI Standards Committee C78 to determine if a lamp can be rated for open luminaire operation. In the ANSI C78.387 test, arc tubes are forcibly ruptured to test the integrity of the lamp, i.e. to determine if the design can be containment-rated. In order to receive the "O" rating, the outer bulb cannot be cracked or broken.

What is the difference between "S" and "O" rated lamps?
ANSI lamp designations:
E - Lamps must be used in enclosed luminaires which meet the requirements of UL1598.
S - Lamps are considered "suitable" for open luminaire operation, only if operated in the vertical ±15° position. Lamps do not meet ANSI criteria for containment and must be turned off at least once per week for a minimum of 15 minutes if operated continuously. In addition these lamps must be group relamped before reaching rated lamp life.
O-Lamps can be operated in open or enclosed luminaires within the manufacturer's specified operating position limits. This type meets the ANSI criteria for containment rated operation. Special exclusionary sockets are available for these lamps to ensure that the wrong lamp type is not used.

O-rated
• Arc tube shroud
• Continuous operation, no shut-off required (Venture only)
• Meets ANSI criteria for open fixture use
• Recommended by insurance industry

S-rated
• No shroud
• Must be operated ±15° of vertical
• Must be turned off 15 minutes, every week
• Does not meet ANSI test for open rating
• Not recommended by insurance industry

What is Venture's Policy about "S" rated lamps?
Venture Lighting does not participate in the practice of designating any of their lamps with the "S" rating. Moreover, Venture offers a broad selection of shrouded, open-rated lamps in its standard (probe start), White-Lux®, Energy Master® and Uni-Form® pulse start product lines. These Venture "O" rated lamps do not need to be cycled in 24/7 operation.