Acceptable Cables for Pendants

[JimCrowell]

Several questions about pendant installations, I've been asked to assist an industrial facility where folks are trying to be "creative" in their installed wiring:
1) Does the NEC require that pendants use only flexible cords and cables listed in section 400?
2) Can one of the flexible conduits of section 300 be used if properly supported, for example LFNC with length less than 6 feet?
3) Is there a maximum length of the pendant cord beyond the strain relief (it seems that a pendant box laying on the floor may not be protected from physical damage)?
4) Does the requirement of 400.7(B) describe the pendant as a cord and plug wired into the portable appliance and plugged into a fixed or pendant receptacle (RE 400.7(B) each flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from a receptacle outlet)?
5) Can a pendant be fitted with a single plug such as twistlock device instead of using a listed pendant box? Are there special twistlock plugs made for pendant use?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Twoskinsoneman]

Several questions about pendant installations, I've been asked to assist an industrial facility where folks are trying to be "creative" in their installed wiring:
1) Does the NEC require that pendants use only flexible cords and cables listed in section 400?
2) Can one of the flexible conduits of section 300 be used if properly supported, for example LFNC with length less than 6 feet?
Check out 314.23(H)
3) Is there a maximum length of the pendant cord beyond the strain relief (it seems that a pendant box laying on the floor may not be protected from physical damage)?
I think this is an AHJ judgement call as far as protected
4) Does the requirement of 400.7(B) describe the pendant as a cord and plug wired into the portable appliance and plugged into a fixed or pendant receptacle (RE 400.7(B) each flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from a receptacle outlet)?
Yes you are correct hard wired and plugged in
5) Can a pendant be fitted with a single plug such as twistlock device instead of using a listed pendant box? Are there special twistlock plugs made for pendant use?
Yes 210.50(A) I don't know about specific pendant connectors on cord pendants but a connector is fine.

Thanks in advance,

Hope this was helpful

 

[JimCrowell]

Thanks, having trouble undertanding 314.23(H)(1) and the definition of a multiconductor cord or cable. Are the only flexible cords those listed in Section 400. For example, Section 320.2 defines Armored Cable as an assembly of insulated conductors in a flexible mettalic enclosure. Apologies if I'm misunderstanding. Armored Cable with fitting(s) to prevent strain on the conductors would be seem acceptable if they are available. However, the requirements for exposed work (320.15) and securing and supporting (320.30) would add significant restrictions.
Thanks

 

[Twoskinsoneman]

Thanks, having trouble undertanding 314.23(H)(1) and the definition of a multiconductor cord or cable. Are the only flexible cords those listed in Section 400. For example, Section 320.2 defines Armored Cable as an assembly of insulated conductors in a flexible mettalic enclosure. Apologies if I'm misunderstanding. Armored Cable with fitting(s) to prevent strain on the conductors would be seem acceptable if they are available. However, the requirements for exposed work (320.15) and securing and supporting (320.30) would add significant restrictions.
Thanks

Look at the title of 314.23(H)(1). Flexible cords. You are correct this is referring to Section 400 flexible cords. You cannot hang a pendant from AC.

There is a little confusion at the terminology "flexible cords and cables" used in section 400. Why can't armoured cable be considered a cable under the section "flexible cords and cables"? All I can tell you is that there is a proposal to change wherever it says "flexible cords and cables" to "flexible cords and flexible cables" to avoid this type of condfusion.