Jim Jim Jim
Member
- Location
- CA
A local retail store has several processing tables in center of the back room. They needed a receptacle outlet there. The configuration of tables is flexible - they get moved around. Floor is concrete slab.
My solution was to extend a GFCI protected circuit via 1/2" EMT to a 4S box mounted to the ceiling joists above the center of the tables' location. I wired a duplex receptacle there and mounted a retractable cord reel next to the box, cord and plug attached.
Everyone was happy until the store's safety manager objected. He has taken a photo of the install and sent it to the local fire marshall asking if the "extension cord" is permitted.
The cord reel is a listed product and I believe it is being used correctly. Before I made this change, the store staff would string a real extension cord across the floor to the grouped tables.
The fire marshall responded as follows:
The temporary extension cord located at your facility is not compliant with the fire code.
605.5.1 defines that an extension cord with one receptacle shall be used to only power one portable appliance.
605.9 defines temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days.
The above citations are California Fire Code, not NEC sections. 605.5 does say "Extension cords AND FLEXIBLE CORDS shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring". (my emphasis).
The cord reel was taken down and now the store staff is again stringing extension cords across the floor.
My current thought was that if we can't use the cord reel (which I consider an appliance), then I can install a pendant outlet from the 4S box using a strain relief fitting and a flexible cord. That certainly can't be considered an extension cord. But I may still run afoul of the language in the fire code that states "FLEXIBLE CORDS shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring".
I can't run floor to ceiling unistrut and mount a box at table height because of the way the tables get pushed around. I haven't yet spoken to either the safety manager or the fire marshall. Do you guys have any potential alternative designs?
Thanks,
Jim x 3
My solution was to extend a GFCI protected circuit via 1/2" EMT to a 4S box mounted to the ceiling joists above the center of the tables' location. I wired a duplex receptacle there and mounted a retractable cord reel next to the box, cord and plug attached.
Everyone was happy until the store's safety manager objected. He has taken a photo of the install and sent it to the local fire marshall asking if the "extension cord" is permitted.
The cord reel is a listed product and I believe it is being used correctly. Before I made this change, the store staff would string a real extension cord across the floor to the grouped tables.
The fire marshall responded as follows:
The temporary extension cord located at your facility is not compliant with the fire code.
605.5.1 defines that an extension cord with one receptacle shall be used to only power one portable appliance.
605.9 defines temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days.
The above citations are California Fire Code, not NEC sections. 605.5 does say "Extension cords AND FLEXIBLE CORDS shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring". (my emphasis).
The cord reel was taken down and now the store staff is again stringing extension cords across the floor.
My current thought was that if we can't use the cord reel (which I consider an appliance), then I can install a pendant outlet from the 4S box using a strain relief fitting and a flexible cord. That certainly can't be considered an extension cord. But I may still run afoul of the language in the fire code that states "FLEXIBLE CORDS shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring".
I can't run floor to ceiling unistrut and mount a box at table height because of the way the tables get pushed around. I haven't yet spoken to either the safety manager or the fire marshall. Do you guys have any potential alternative designs?
Thanks,
Jim x 3