A question for inspectors and would be inspectors

[Pierre C Belarge]

I was at a jobsite today, the project is close to completion.
I have spoken to the contractor and the National Chain people about the topic you are going to see in the pictures.
Please tell me through code citation if these pictures are code compliant.

Picture 1
There are drop cords from the ceiling boxes, down to the shelving wired to a pendant box, where the electronic merchandise will be displayed.
Is this a permitted pendant?

Picture #2

Here is another pendant box at a different shelf location

This is the same store, but a different type of installation. The cord is supplied from a box up by the ceiling. The cord enters the box via a fitting (ceiling box), which is permanent wiring. The cord does have strain relief up at the ceiling.
Down at the shelving, the cord is hard wired with the proper fitting into a fixed Multioutlet Assembly. The shelving is bolted into the floor with at least 8 bolts.

Is this a permitted installation.
Picture #3

Picture #4

Picture #5

 

[cpal]

I'm thinking a pendant should not be fixed at the end. 400.7, this appears to be a situation where permanent chpt 3 wiring methods are required 400.8. I have concerns regarding some of the connectors maybe 400.10, also I guess the cord is subject to physical damage.

 

[ibew441dc]

(H) Pendant Boxes. An enclosure supported by a pendant shall comply with 314.23(H)(1) or (H)(2).

(1) Flexible Cord. A box shall be supported from a multiconductor cord or cable in an approved manner that protects the conductors against strain, such as a strain-relief connector threaded into a box with a hub.

This violation may also apply to some of the other pictures.

 

[Twoskinsoneman]

Is the cord a type listed as pendant type in table 400.4?

 

[KevinVost]

The box at the ceiling and the box at the work/display surface are fixed then you have a violation of 400.8 (1) - As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure. Possibly a violation of 400.8 (7) - where subject to physical damage. Also for picture 1 violation of 400.10.

What size is the OCD on the circuit? What size is the cord conductors? Possible violation of 250.122 (since you have fixed wiring and the EGC may not be properly sized). (This shouldn't matter since the obvious problem is 400.8 but I was trying to think of all the sections that may apply:roll

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I like the responses, code sections being provided as well.

 

[Cavie]

You nee a strain relief on the hanging 4 SQ. Not a romex connector.

 

[Profish00]

I would pipe in and plug connect the bench.

 

[artc]

Flexible cord connection of pendant boxes.

(2) The flexible cord and cord connection must comply with NEC 314.23(H) and the following:

(a) A suspended pendant box must not contain conduit "knockouts" and connection to a suspended box must utilize an integral threaded hub;

(b) The maximum length of the cord for a suspended pendant drop from a permanently installed junction box to a suitable tension take-up device above the pendant box must not exceed six feet;

(c) The flexible cord must be supported at each end with an approved cord grip or strain relief connector fitting/device that will eliminate all stress on the conductor connections;

(d) The flexible cord must be a minimum #14 AWG copper;

(e) The flexible cord ampacity must be determined using NEC Table 400.5(A) column A; and

(f) The flexible cord must be hard or extra hard usage.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Art
Where did you gather some of this information?

 

[M. D.]

Art
Where did you gather some of this information?

Here perhaps http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-46B-314

 

[iwire]

And the award for finding a needle in a haystack goes to M.D.


Nice find.

 

[safetyva]

#1 & 2 - Pendant boxes not suitable?

#1 & 2 - Pendant boxes not suitable?

For the boxes in photos #1 and #2, there may be a problem with the boxes not being intended for pendant use:

110.3(A)(1) Suitability for installation and use.

(And OSHA 1910.303(b)(1)(i) similar wording, & 1910.303(b)(2) - listed and labeled equipment shall be used or installed in accordance with the listing and labeling - UL etc.)

 

[augie47]

And the award for finding a needle in a haystack goes to M.D.


Nice find.

agree, but it appears to be a State of Washington haystack.
I'd bet it based on an OSHA requirement, which needle I have yet to find.

and Pierre, my opinion would be a violation of NEC 400.8

 

[elohr46]

At the very least 400.8(1)(4)(7).

 

[ibew441dc]

Here's the Solution

Here's the Solution

This is the way I've been doing pendants for years:-?......I guess this may be a violation of many of the already mentioned code sections.

 

[M. D.]

Art
Where did you gather some of this information?

I found this ,.. you may be interested

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=20579