Ek's Home   |   Forum   |   Chat   |   Electrical Links   |  





Subject - SO cord and plugmold?
JerryB52 I've been doing some remodels of Drugstores here in Southeast Florida and in the Photolab I have to add plugmold over the counters. I've been using SO cord attached with a romex connector and plugged in under the counter in a regular 20A receptacle. This was the way I was told to do it a few months ago and in the last 4 stores that Have been inspected, nothing has been said about this type of installation. One of the other electricians for our company said this was a code violation but I can't find it and he didn't specify the code article. Does anyone know about this???

Thanks.
iwire The interpretation of the code rules for flexible cords varies from area to area. I will post the section and you can decide for yourself what the requirements are.

I would first say look at 400.8(1)

Then look at all of 400.7 and notice that all the uses permitted subsections require that the item moves, vibrates or is replaced often.

quote:
ARTICLE 400 Flexible Cords and Cables
400.8 Uses Not Permitted.

Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

(1)As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

(2)Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

(3)Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings

(4)Where attached to building surfaces

Exception: Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.8.

(5)Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings

(6)Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code


In my opinion if the plug-mold is fastened in place you have a conflict with 400.8(1) You are using rubber cord as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.

Here is 400.7 Uses Permitted.

quote:
400.7 Uses Permitted.
(A) Uses. Flexible cords and cables shall be used only for the following:

(1)Pendants

(2)Wiring of luminaires (fixtures)

(3)Connection of portable lamps, portable and mobile signs, or appliances

(4)Elevator cables

(5)Wiring of cranes and hoists

(6)Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequent interchange

(7)Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration

(8)Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair, and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection

(9)Data processing cables as permitted by 645.5

(10)Connection of moving parts

(11)Temporary wiring as permitted in 527.4(B) and 527.4(C)


I do not see anything in 400.7 that will let you use cord for this application.

I suggest flexible metal conduit as an alternative.

Replace the outlet you are plugged into with a metal blank plate, punch a 1/2" KO in it and come out of that with a 90 degree FMC connector.

This is directly addressed in the exception to 314.22

quote:
314.22 Exposed Surface Extensions.

Surface extensions from a flush-mounted box shall be made by mounting and mechanically securing an extension ring over the flush box. Equipment grounding and bonding shall be in accordance with Article 250.

Exception: A surface extension shall be permitted to be made from the cover of a flush-mounted box where the cover is designed so it is unlikely to fall off or be removed if its securing means becomes loose. The wiring method shall be flexible for a length sufficient to permit removal of the cover and provide access to the box interior, and arranged so that any bonding or grounding continuity is independent of the connection between the box and cover.


Bob
JerryB52 Thank you very much for all the code information. I'll pass all this along. I had a feeling that this installation was wrong but didn't want to be the first to question it.
lctrc789 Jerry, Bob has made a good point here, I agree with him. Many areas are different, But in the case you are in I would not have used SO cord I would have used either flex or m/c cable and not used SO cord.
At least with m/c cable it is somewhat protected and it is more by code then a piece of SO cord being exposed.
He has the right ideaa, blank plate with 1/2 KO and use what ever method you like.
JerryB52 I've made the project manager aware of this and actually printed out the responces for him and he agreed that we will now use BX (MC) and a blank plate.

Thanks again for the help guys.
Jerry