a/c over baseboard heater?

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question4you

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I just wanted to see if anyone could tell me if this is safe or not. This apartment has an outlet over what appears to be baseboard heating. The a/c plugs into it and the cord drapes over the outlet. I know outlets aren't supposed to be over baseboard heaters so maybe I'm missing something. Is this safe? Can someone live here safely? Or is this a huge fire hazard? Here's a photo:
https://imgur.com/a/SZOf6Z2

(Sorry for the poor quality image)
 
Not safe to have that cord draped over the baseboard heater.
That receptacle above it is a no-no because you can't avoid the cord issue
 
In the real world it's done all the time, Not a problem IMO especially with an ac because the heater will be off.

But still not a problem. I know every thing lays on top of those heaters, stacks of clothes, papers , curtains, god knows what else. They're much safer then the average plug in 120 volt heater.
 
Eddie702 said:
I agree. You can wrap cords all around hot water or steam radiation but not over electric
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Sorry for my ignorance but what is the difference that would allow one but not the other? Please educate me, need a code reference that shows this allowance. I have seen cases where there was enough linear length of baseboard that getting or meeting the every 12 ft requirements impossible. Had one inspector say put the receptacle in the floor, but that wouldn't help in OP scenario.
 
Fred B said:
Sorry for my ignorance but what is the difference that would allow one but not the other? Please educate me, need a code reference that shows this allowance. I have seen cases where there was enough linear length of baseboard that getting or meeting the every 12 ft requirements impossible. Had one inspector say put the receptacle in the floor, but that wouldn't help in OP scenario.
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There is no code reference because there is no direct NEC rule against recpts above baseboard heaters. Electric baseboard installation instructions are where you find the prohibition and art. 110 says we have to follow those instructions.
 
ActionDave said:
There is no code reference because there is no direct NEC rule against recpts above baseboard heaters. Electric baseboard installation instructions are where you find the prohibition and art. 110 says we have to follow those instructions.
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I agree, and for long runs of electric baseboard they do make receptacles that are built into the baseboard. Hydronic baseboard does not get hot enough to cause a hazard to cords, furniture, etc.
 
ActionDave said:
There is no code reference because there is no direct NEC rule against recpts above baseboard heaters. Electric baseboard installation instructions are where you find the prohibition and art. 110 says we have to follow those instructions.
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Ok, thanks, so if you have a model that doesn't prohibit it then you can have them there. Do they even make such a thing? I've seen where heating was obviously Hydronic at one point but at some point later got changed to electric by someone (holes in floor where water line came up), inspections, don't know.
 
infinity said:
I agree, and for long runs of electric baseboard they do make receptacles that are built into the baseboard. Hydronic baseboard does not get hot enough to cause a hazard to cords, furniture, etc.
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I had an inspector in his truck and on the phone for more than a half an hour looking for the rule that says no recpts above radiators. He never said "You're right" but he did finally pass me.
 
ActionDave said:
I had an inspector in his truck and on the phone for more than a half an hour looking for the rule that says no recpts above radiators. He never said "You're right" but he did finally pass me.
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Had a service call that a lamp cord connected by extension cord dropped into baseboard and shorted with spectacular effects sparks and flashes all over before breaker tripped. It seems to me it would be a simple enough thing to make a unit that a cord could not enter and thus be safe.
 
Fred B said:
Ok, thanks, so if you have a model that doesn't prohibit it then you can have them there. Do they even make such a thing? I've seen where heating was obviously Hydronic at one point but at some point later got changed to electric by someone (holes in floor where water line came up), inspections, don't know.
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Inspector cannot inspect on a what if issue - If the inspection had hot water BB then it would pass. no one can control someone installing/replacing with electric BB without inspections for life safety. If inspection were done the recepts would have to be move or elect BB would be adjusted from under a recept.
 
I will have to look in the code book but it used to be in the code book that you could not put receptacles above baseboard heaters, I am positive of that
 
Look at 210.52 informational note.
The code doesn’t exactly say not to put one under an outlet, but the instructions on the listed electric baseboard heater may specify not to install under an outlet.
 
Eddie702 said:
I will have to look in the code book but it used to be in the code book that you could not put receptacles above baseboard heaters, I am positive of that
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Careful with a statement like that! I've had a few "senior moments" where I just knew something was there and found out I was wrong. So I try not to make that statement unless I'm looking at whatever I think I'm sure of.
 
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