When a 4 ft. piece of nonmetallic-sheathed cable is used as a fixture whip above an accessible ceiling, it is required to be?

When a 4 ft. piece of nonmetallic-sheathed cable is utilized as a fixture whip above an accessible ceiling, it is typically not required to be secured. This is due to the nature of accessible ceilings, where installation practices allow certain flexibility for short lengths of cable. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable, when used in this manner, is largely deemed safe as it is often designed to be able to hang freely in short segments without endangering the integrity of the installation or creating electrical hazards.

The reasoning behind cable not needing to be secured in such configurations is based on established electrical codes and standards that govern the installation practices for low-voltage wiring. These guidelines consider the potential movement and stress on the cable as well as accessibility for maintenance or adjustments.

In contrast, securing cables at all ends or only at one end would often be required for longer runs of cable, where there is an increased risk of mechanical stress or potential damage. Such options imply a need for support that is not warranted for the short length of the fixture whip in question. Likewise, classifying the cable as unsupported would suggest that there are no parameters in place to ensure its safety and proper functioning, which is counter to the practices designed for safe electrical installations.