What's wrong with power pendants?

[suemarkp]

I'm asking our Facilities group to install a bunch of power drops below a cable tray. The intent is cord pendants with a receptacle on the end (e.g. L5-30, L6-20, etc) or a box with a 5-20 duplex. These have been used for years in many industrial/commercial locations. They were whining about getting waivers because the inspectors don't want to approve them.

So are these not legal? The only issue I see would be using cord (pendant drop) for permanent wiring. Are there other issues? I think I could live with RMC stubs to Bell boxes instead of corded drops.

 

[chris kennedy]

The only issue I see would be using cord (pendant drop) for permanent wiring.

Using that logic then there would be no 410.62(B). I think you are confusing permanent wiring with the following wording from 400.8.

As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

The right boxes and strain reliefs and I see no NEC issues.

 

[suemarkp]

You're right -- this isn't concealed wiring, and 400.7(A)(1) lists pendants as uses permitted. I wonder what their issue is...

 

[winnie]

One of the common methods of making pendants is to have a standard 4 square box hanging off the end of the SO. While common, I believe that this particular approach is non-compliant because of the _box_.

There are boxes and cord caps specifically designed for pendant use.

Note that strain relief can also be an issue, and terminating fine stranded wire on standard duplex receptacles can also be a problem.

-Jon

 

[iwire]

One of the common methods of making pendants is to have a standard 4 square box hanging off the end of the SO. While common, I believe that this particular approach is non-compliant because of the _box_.

You are correct on both, popular but a code violation.

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.

So many people will use a 'Bell Box' or weatherproof box. I think those are also a violation as those are not listed to be supported by the hubs, they are designed to be secured to a surface.

I think a malleable steel FS box is designed to be supported by the hubs but if I had a bunch to do I would proably order true 'Pendent Boxes'

 

[Volta]

You are correct on both, popular but a code violation.



So many people will use a 'Bell Box' or weatherproof box. I think those are also a violation as those are not listed to be supported by the hubs, they are designed to be secured to a surface.

I think a malleable steel FS box is designed to be supported by the hubs but if I had a bunch to do I would proably order true 'Pendent Boxes'

Do they need to be listed for that use?

Do we need to find one that is not listed, and then we're ok?

'Course I either use an FS or Woodhead box myself, but . . .

 

[iwire]

Do they need to be listed for that use?

Do we need to find one that is not listed, and then we're ok?

'Course I either use an FS or Woodhead box myself, but . . .

Do whatever the mood strikes you to do. :grin:

I was pretty up front stating my opinion vs black and white facts.

I have read enough stories on these forums of OSHA busting chops over pendant boxes being listed for the purpose I have no desire to even worry about it.