Is it permitted by NEC to mount an outdoor luminaire directly on a tree?

Is it permitted by NEC to mount an outdoor luminaire directly on a tree?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Only if the luminaire is listed for outdoor tree mounting
• D. Only if the tree is noncombustible

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the NEC allows mounting a luminaire on a tree only if the fixture is specifically listed for outdoor tree mounting. Equipment must be installed according to its listing and the manufacturer’s instructions, which ensures the fixture is designed to handle the mounting method, weather exposure, and supporting hardware. If a luminaire isn’t listed for tree mounting, placing it on a tree would be outside what the listing covers and would not be permitted. So, mounting on a tree is acceptable when the luminaire is designed and listed for that purpose, with proper outdoor-rated wiring and fittings used as specified.

The key idea is that the NEC allows mounting a luminaire on a tree only if the fixture is specifically listed for outdoor tree mounting. Equipment must be installed according to its listing and the manufacturer’s instructions, which ensures the fixture is designed to handle the mounting method, weather exposure, and supporting hardware. If a luminaire isn’t listed for tree mounting, placing it on a tree would be outside what the listing covers and would not be permitted. So, mounting on a tree is acceptable when the luminaire is designed and listed for that purpose, with proper outdoor-rated wiring and fittings used as specified.