There is a little bit of debate at my workplace regarding NEC 400.7 & 400.8 regarding using SOOW for process machine drops. It appears folks from different backgrounds here all think it is OK. I am an ME with some responsibility in the area but my old place of work forbid it. The process machines we install are typically installed for 2-8 years. We do sometimes slide them around a little so I see the attraction of 20' of unsupported SOOW with strain reliefs and coils of extra cable but my understanding of NEC is that though it may be convenient it is not correct per code.
Also, I have seen the Mike Holt diagram of flexible cords for "utilization equipment to support frequent interchange". I'm not sure what exactly "utilization equipment" is or what is "frequent".
I found some sales literature for TC-ER as an acceptable alternative but even there I need to supporting frequently and using cable tray for horizontal runs.
Please tell me I'm wrong and I can start installing SOOW this way and still meet code???
Also, I have seen the Mike Holt diagram of flexible cords for "utilization equipment to support frequent interchange". I'm not sure what exactly "utilization equipment" is or what is "frequent".
I found some sales literature for TC-ER as an acceptable alternative but even there I need to supporting frequently and using cable tray for horizontal runs.
Please tell me I'm wrong and I can start installing SOOW this way and still meet code???
