Quad outlet boxes

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brucegdit

New member
We have several places in our industrial shop where we have OS2 cable hanging from the ceiling over our work benches with a metal quad box on the end. The quad boxes are not permanently mounted We just went through an OSHA inspection and the inspector was not sure if the quad boxes should be metal or plastic. Can anyone advise me which they should be and where I can find the documentation stating which is correct so I can inforn the OSHA inspector.
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
If those are standard KO boxes that is an NEC violation regardless of OSHA.

The NEC requires a threaded hub type box for pendent use.
 

Chamuit

Grumpy Old Man
Location
Texas
Occupation
Electrician
If those are standard KO boxes that is an NEC violation regardless of OSHA.

The NEC requires a threaded hub type box for pendent use.

What article for that?

I see that all the time.

Thanks.
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
What article for that?

I see that all the time.

Thanks.

314.23(H) Pendant Boxes. An enclosure supported by a pendant
shall comply with 314.23(H)(1) or (H)(2).

(1) Flexible Cord. A box shall be supported from a multiconductor
cord or cable in an approved manner that protects
the conductors against strain, such as a strain-relief
connector threaded into a box with a hub.
 

barclayd

Senior Member
Location
Colorado
314.23(H) Pendant Boxes. An enclosure supported by a pendant
shall comply with 314.23(H)(1) or (H)(2).

(1) Flexible Cord. A box shall be supported from a multiconductor
cord or cable in an approved manner that protects
the conductors against strain, such as a strain-relief
connector threaded into a box with a hub.

I don't think a 'box with a hub' is the only alowable method.
db
 

barclayd

Senior Member
Location
Colorado
How does OSHA get involved? I've never had an OSHA inspector look at our electrical.
Put a chase nipple and a Kellems grip, and 480Sparky could even hang from it.:)
db
 

kspifldorf

Senior Member
Is it possible that the inspector was refering to the fact that those type boxes, when handled like a pendant, can have the ko's push in. As to where if there mounted it's a little less likely.
 

goodcode

Member
iwire is correct.
OSHA has their own rules that will be enforced. In construction this would fall under 1926.403(a) or 1926.403(b) and in general industry in 1910.303(a) or 1910.303(b). The OSHA requirement is that the box, cable, device or other component be "listed for the purpose." A box with ko's and a box, such as an FS box are not listed for a portable type use. There are many molded products available that are listed for this purpose.
The question at hand is no differnet than having a contractor remove a damaged female cord cap and replace it with a device in an FS or handy box with a receptacle. OSHA will cite you, it will be serious and it will be successful.
 

barclayd

Senior Member
Location
Colorado
1. I'm lucky to have never had an OSHA inspector on any job for over 30 years.
2. You can't use an FS/FD box?
3. What does "portable" have to do with a pendant?
4. How about underfloor power whips?
db
 

sii

Senior Member
Location
Nebraska
We got dinged on an OSHA inspection once for this too. We had to replace all the metal boxes with Woodhead devices that have a built-in grip/strain relief. (Got a whole case of them that's been sitting on the shelf for years if you're interested.)

OHSA aside, if you think about the construction of most combination 4 square boxes, it wouldn't take much to damage one to the point of being unsafe.
 

barclayd

Senior Member
Location
Colorado
I've never thought of a 4-Sq as 'fragile'. You'd have to really want to destroy it.
But I have seen a woodhead box pretty well beat up.
db
 
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