Above Counter Plugmold

[dema]

I just had an Indiana customer tell me that they were told that it is against code to install plugmold above a bank counter. The context was above the counter below the window for the drive through. Do you have any idea why this would be against code?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I do not know of anywhere in the NEC that would confirm that statement

 

[augie47]

Was the plugmold mounted in such a manner that the receptacles were facing up ?
If so 404.4(E) could be applicable.

 

[dema]

404.4E?

404.4E?

I don't find 404.4E? Typo?

 

[Smart $]

Was the plugmold mounted in such a manner that the receptacles were facing up ?
If so 404.4(E) could be applicable.

???

If you meant 406.5(E) in 2011 edition, that's only for dwellings.

 

[augie47]

In the '08 it's 406.4(E) and you are correct, that is for dwelling units (read it 3 times and still missed the words)
Strange happenings in the '11. There was a ROP change that showed the wording changed so as to remove the dwelling unit only restriction, however,the wording remains.
(Perhaps it was shot down in committee)

 

[GoldDigger]

In the '08 it's 406.4(E) and you are correct, that is for dwelling units (read it 3 times and still missed the words)
Strange happenings in the '11. There was a ROP & ROC that showed the wording changed so as to remove the dwelling unit only restriction, however,the wording remains.

Any change in 2014 NEC?

 

[augie47]

Any change in 2014 NEC?

Good question. I don't have a '14.

 

[Smart $]

Good question. I don't have a '14.

Same here... and I hate the online version since they made the TOC by Chapter only.

 

[GoldDigger]

Same here... and I hate the online version since they made the TOC by Chapter only.

That is why I did not look it up myself either.

 

[rcarroll]

2014 NEC 406.5(E) Dwelling unit is removed.

 

[GoldDigger]

2014 NEC 406.5(E) Dwelling unit is removed.

Thank you very much!

 

[dema]

And thank you.

And thank you.

 

[kwired]

406.5(E) does say dwelling units in the title. That said the rest of the article says "Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position in countertops or similar work surfaces". IMO surface mounted receptacles, which generally would include plugmold, would be acceptable, flush mounted receptacles facing up would not be acceptable though.

reply based on what is written in 2011 NEC.

 

[jap]

406.5(E) does say dwelling units in the title. That said the rest of the article says "Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position in countertops or similar work surfaces". IMO surface mounted receptacles, which generally would include plugmold, would be acceptable, flush mounted receptacles facing up would not be acceptable though.

reply based on what is written in 2011 NEC.

If the wording had indicated "on" countertops instead of "in" then "face up" surface mounted receptacles and general plugmold would be a violation and not a flush mounted receptacle.
To me they're both equally open to something falling into them regardless.
either half a cup of coffee into the surface mounted receptacle or a full cup into the flush mounted one.

 

[kwired]

If the wording had indicated "on" countertops instead of "in" then "face up" surface mounted receptacles and general plugmold would be a violation and not a flush mounted receptacle.
To me they're both equally open to something falling into them regardless.
either half a cup of coffee into the surface mounted receptacle or a full cup into the flush mounted one.

Subject to something falling to either one is true, I don't feel the chances are equal though. Even a receptacle on a vertical surface has some risk of foreign material entering it, though likely less than any face up receptacle.