ryan_618
Senior Member
- Location
- Salt Lake City, Utah
This is a topic that has been beat to death, however, I think I may have something new to bring to the argument. The question is: Can I have a TV with a its "cord" or (for example) a projector with its "cord" above the suspended ceiling?
400.8 says that flexible cords can't be used above a suspended ceiling. Before we get their, the scope of Article 400 states that it applies to "flexible cords and flexible cables."
Annex A in the Code refers to two different listing standards that I think are often mistaken with each other. UL 62 covers flexible cords and flexible cables. UL 817 covers cord sets and power supply cords. We can agree that Article 400 applies only to those covered by UL 62, which covers flexible cords.
Here is the scope of each of these standards:
Scope of 62:
"1.1 These requirements cover fixture wires, hoistway cables, and flexible cords for use in accordance with
the National Electrical Code.
1.2 An elevator cable that contains one or more optical-fiber members is limited (see 8.6) to carrying
optical energy that has been ruled not hazardous to the human body.
1.3 These requirements do not cover armored cords or assemblies of flexible cords or fixture wires with
fittings or wiring devices of any sort (such as cord sets, power-supply cords, and Christmas-tree and
decorative-lighting outfits, which are covered in requirements separate from this standard) nor do these
requirements cover any type of wire or cord for use at a potential higher than 600 V."
The "cords" found on a tv, router, projector, or similiar equipment is not a flexible cord, per this scope.
Scope of 817:
"1.1 These requirements cover power-supply cords for use as supply connections for appliances in
accordance with the National Electrical Code.
1.2 These requirements also cover cord sets for use in extending a branch circuit supply to the
power-supply cord of a portable appliance by means of flexible cord in accordance with the National
Electrical Code."
Because these cords are, in fact, power supply cords, and are not flexible cords, the installation of these cords above a suspended ceiling is permitted.
Any thoughts?
400.8 says that flexible cords can't be used above a suspended ceiling. Before we get their, the scope of Article 400 states that it applies to "flexible cords and flexible cables."
Annex A in the Code refers to two different listing standards that I think are often mistaken with each other. UL 62 covers flexible cords and flexible cables. UL 817 covers cord sets and power supply cords. We can agree that Article 400 applies only to those covered by UL 62, which covers flexible cords.
Here is the scope of each of these standards:
Scope of 62:
"1.1 These requirements cover fixture wires, hoistway cables, and flexible cords for use in accordance with
the National Electrical Code.
1.2 An elevator cable that contains one or more optical-fiber members is limited (see 8.6) to carrying
optical energy that has been ruled not hazardous to the human body.
1.3 These requirements do not cover armored cords or assemblies of flexible cords or fixture wires with
fittings or wiring devices of any sort (such as cord sets, power-supply cords, and Christmas-tree and
decorative-lighting outfits, which are covered in requirements separate from this standard) nor do these
requirements cover any type of wire or cord for use at a potential higher than 600 V."
The "cords" found on a tv, router, projector, or similiar equipment is not a flexible cord, per this scope.
Scope of 817:
"1.1 These requirements cover power-supply cords for use as supply connections for appliances in
accordance with the National Electrical Code.
1.2 These requirements also cover cord sets for use in extending a branch circuit supply to the
power-supply cord of a portable appliance by means of flexible cord in accordance with the National
Electrical Code."
Because these cords are, in fact, power supply cords, and are not flexible cords, the installation of these cords above a suspended ceiling is permitted.
Any thoughts?