410.62(c) cord connected luminaire outlet location

[K2007]

We have a project where the owner wants us to move their high bay LED lights. These are factory cord connected and currently have the outlet above. If i move these fixtures a few feet over, they will no longer be directly below the outlet and i will be in violation of 410.62(c) per the electrical inspector. What is the reasoning that it needs to be directly below the outlet? The cord will be visibly for the entire length and it will not be under strain, just a bay over from its current location.

Just looking for a little more clarification for this requirement and/or if this only applies to new construction projects?

I would like to to justify not moving the outlet if possible.

thanks,

 

[jumper]

The language in the 2017 is a bit different.

410.62(C) Electric-Discharge and LED Luminaires. Electric discharge and LED luminaires shall comply with (1), (2), and (3) as applicable.

(1) Cord-Connected Installation. A luminaire or a listed assembly in compliance with any of the conditions in (a) through (c) shall be permitted to be cord connected provided the luminaire is located directly below the outlet or busway, the cord is not subject to strain or physical damage, and the cord is visible over its entire length except at terminations.

(a) A luminaire shall be permitted to be connected with a cord terminating in a grounding-type attachment plug or busway plug.

(b) A luminaire assembly equipped with a strain relief and canopy shall be permitted to use a cord connection between the luminaire assembly and the canopy. The canopy shall be permitted to include a section of raceway not over 150 mm (6 in.) in length and intended to facilitate the connection to an outlet box mounted above a suspended ceiling.

(c) Listed luminaires connected using listed assemblies that incorporate manufactured wiring system connectors in accordance with 604.100(C) shall be permitted to be cord connected.

 

[K2007]

2017 did change some of the requirements, but is still has the line "below the outlet".

(1) Cord-Connected Installation. A luminaire or a listed assembly in compliance with any of the conditions in (a) through (c) shall be permitted to be cord connected provided the luminaire is located directly below the outlet or busway, the cord is not subject to strain or physical damage, and the cord is visible over its entire length except at terminations.

Is there a reason it needs to be located below the outlet?

 

[kwired]

2017 did change some of the requirements, but is still has the line "below the outlet".

(1) Cord-Connected Installation. A luminaire or a listed assembly in compliance with any of the conditions in (a) through (c) shall be permitted to be cord connected provided the luminaire is located directly below the outlet or busway, the cord is not subject to strain or physical damage, and the cord is visible over its entire length except at terminations.

Is there a reason it needs to be located below the outlet?

My guess the main goal is to minimize as much as possible the length of the cord. They could have worded it with a maximum cord length, but then that limits how far you can go even when the luminaire is directly below the receptacle. Apparently vertically run cord is deemed acceptable but they want little to no horizontal applied to it.