Cords out the bottom of a surface mounted panel.

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

Rex Hungerford

Member
Location
Seattle
Occupation
Electrician
I have 2 questions.
I want to install a surface mounted panel with cords out the bottom:
1, Are these cords now considered to be in my clear working space. Would I have to build a shallow, panel depth cover of some sort over them?
2, Can a cord be attached to the bottom of a panel with a compression connector and wired direct to the breaker and neutral/ground bus? 400.7(B)??

For clarification, this would be a custom panelboard with the option of built in receptacles or Neutrik connectors mounted to the bottom of the can. But I would rather land the cords direct on the breaker and avoid using a receptacle.

The intent of question 2 is to achieve a reliable connection with low insertion loss at the panel with the load end of the cord feeding/terminating in a 15 or 20 amp IEC at the point of use equipment.
 
I don't believe there is a compliant way to put flexible cords in a panel at all. Not sure, though.
 
What you are proposing is not at all code compliant or legal. You can't have an IEC C series connector or a neutrik powercon as part of building wiring. These connectors are only listed for connecting detachable line cords to equipment or for jumpers between equipment.

You're over thinking things, just install receptacles like everyone else and use cords. Use good receptacles such as hubbell HBL series, hospital grade if you want even better pull out resistance.
 
Todd0x1 said:
What you are proposing is not at all code compliant or legal. You can't have an IEC C series connector or a neutrik powercon as part of building wiring. These connectors are only listed for connecting detachable line cords to equipment or for jumpers between equipment.

You're over thinking things, just install receptacles like everyone else and use cords. Use good receptacles such as hubbell HBL series, hospital grade if you want even better pull out resistance.
Click to expand...
Good to know, thanks
 
There wouldn't be any issue with Hubbell twist locks in the bottom of the panel???
Would the AHJ take issue to working space in front of the panel? The cords would obviously pull out to provide clearance for maintenance.
 
Rex Hungerford said:
There wouldn't be any issue with Hubbell twist locks in the bottom of the panel???
Would the AHJ take issue to working space in front of the panel? The cords would obviously pull out to provide clearance for maintenance.
Click to expand...
What is it you are building exactly? How long have you been an electrician? Have you never had any work inspected before?
 
ActionDave said:
What is it you are building exactly? How long have you been an electrician? Have you never had any work inspected before?
Click to expand...
I'm having a custom product manufactured for sale nationwide. So no, in my 26 years of field work, I have never brought my own product in front of the man. But I have seen them dump all over Square D, Eaton, Siemens equipment for the most inane reasons. So I'm kind of cautious when I have to drop $30k or so to run a test batch. This will be something they dont see every day. That makes it all the worse. Nothing like a large ego confronted by something new.

But I am starting to think, the AHJ will never see my unit. I am now leaning towards a rack mount power distribution fed via a 50 Amp twist lock. It will have 6 circuit breakers and a number of outlets built in. I dont see why I would even be limited to Hubbell. I probably could use the neutrik. But I don't know yet. I don't think it is a part of the building wiring once its a plug in power distribution device. Some members have posted APC/Schneider units. Similar to what I want to make. if I keep it off the wall and plug it in, it is now a component of some type. So I need to figure out who oversees that type of product licensing. I may even be able to go with captured cords too. Who knows. If a NRTL approves it as an assembly, I'm golden.

Thoughts? Who do you talk to about testing electrical devices for retail sale?
 
LarryFine said:
I don't believe there is a compliant way to put flexible cords in a panel at all. Not sure, though.
Click to expand...
400 Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables
400.12 lists uses not permitted:
400.12(4) where attached to building surfaces (Exception permitted in when used in accordance with 368.56(B)
400.12(6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code.
400.12(5) exception lists within enclosure for use as environmental air per 300.22(C)(3).
368.56(B) Suitable cord and cable assemblies approved for extra-hard usage and listed bus drop cable shall be permited as branches from busway for connection of portable equipment.......... in accordance with 400.12 and 400.12 and the following conditions (1 - 4)...........

???
 
Rex Hungerford said:
I'm having a custom product manufactured for sale nationwide.


Thoughts? Who do you talk to about testing electrical devices for retail sale?
Click to expand...
This would not be an issue for a local inspector or AHJ, just submit it to an NRTL (not all are recognized in every location) and when it is listed it should be accepted by most.

Roger
 
roger said:
This would not be an issue for a local inspector or AHJ, just submit it to an NRTL (not all are recognized in every location) and when it is listed it should be accepted by most.

Roger
Click to expand...
I wonder what UL standard it will need to be listed to. If it is not intended for consumer use maybe UL508a or the UL standard for temporary lighting distribution panels.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top