Bill-50
Member
- Location
- Houston, TX
re: NEC 2011 flexible cords above dropped ceilings
from the latest 2011 Q&A e-mail:
Q4. Does the Code allow the installation of cord-connected equipment above a suspended ceiling?
A4. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords must not be concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings, or located above suspended or dropped ceilings [400.8(5)].
Comments::
? Flexible cords are permitted under a raised floor (with removable panels) used for environmental air, because this area isn?t considered a concealed space. See the definition of ?Exposed? in Article 100.
? Receptacles are permitted above a suspended ceiling, but a flexible cord isn?t. Why install a receptacle above a ceiling if the flexible cord isn?t permitted in this space? Because the receptacle can be used for portable tools; it just can?t be used for cord-and-plug-connected equipment fastened in place, such as a projector.
Question: What if the above ceiling area is NOT a plenum? The areas in question have both supply and return ducts and some devices can go no where else.
from the latest 2011 Q&A e-mail:
Q4. Does the Code allow the installation of cord-connected equipment above a suspended ceiling?
A4. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords must not be concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings, or located above suspended or dropped ceilings [400.8(5)].
Comments::
? Flexible cords are permitted under a raised floor (with removable panels) used for environmental air, because this area isn?t considered a concealed space. See the definition of ?Exposed? in Article 100.
? Receptacles are permitted above a suspended ceiling, but a flexible cord isn?t. Why install a receptacle above a ceiling if the flexible cord isn?t permitted in this space? Because the receptacle can be used for portable tools; it just can?t be used for cord-and-plug-connected equipment fastened in place, such as a projector.
Question: What if the above ceiling area is NOT a plenum? The areas in question have both supply and return ducts and some devices can go no where else.