AC power cords and conduits

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samangelo

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I've been advised by a client that it is permissible to run an a.c. power cord through a conduit to a receptacle located below a raised "computer" floor (installation is taking place in the client's NOC). We're not altering the cord in any way simply creating a hidden path, via the conduit, to a remote receptacle. Total cord length is 10', I'm looking for a reference to an NEC section that describes why or why not this is or isn't permissible.

Thank you,
samangelo
 
Re: AC power cords and conduits

I don't think so. The cord would have to stick out the conduit at both ends, so what good does the conduit provide? The general NEC attitude toward cords is that they are supposed to be exposed so they can be inspected for damage. So cords below a raised floor are usually a violation.

One exception, is if the area meets the definition of an information technology equipment room in NEC article 645, then cords are allowed to run under the raised floor. (These are rooms dedicated to equipment, with special requirements. If your talking about an open office with workstations, this won't apply). But even if it were an info. tech. room, you wouldn't need the conduit.

Steve
 
Re: AC power cords and conduits

Originally posted by samangelo:
We're not altering the cord in any way simply creating a hidden path, via the conduit, to a remote receptacle. Total cord length is 10', I'm looking for a reference to an NEC section that describes why or why not this is or isn't permissible.
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400.8
 
Re: AC power cords and conduits

Izak, I have a problem with the attitude that it is OK to violate the Code as long as you don't get caught . . . hehee.

It sounds like you are giving all the young apprentices that visit this sight permission to do something that could be very dangerous. Let me explain, there are rules in the Code that make no sense like putting a receptacle within 6 ft of any point on a family room wall. Let's just put 4 receptacles in that room and call it good. Joe homeowner moves in and really needs the receptacle so he just puts an extension cord down (like they do in the old houses). This eventually results in a fire because of an overloaded extension cord and it is really your fault for not following the rules in the Code.

My point is that most of the rules are there because of a problem with the rules the way they are now written. Please do not suggest to someone that it is OK to bypass the rules. :mad:
 
Re: AC power cords and conduits

I think its unfair to suggest someone is behaving in an unsafe or unethical wayt because they ran across a special situation where the only practical solution involved something that might not have been technically code compliant. I think we have all run across these from time to time. Sometimes its not even possible to tell with absolute certainty if an installation is compliant. look at all the discussion here on certain isuses.
 
Re: AC power cords and conduits

In industrial locations 400.14 (2005) may apply. If you are in Mass there is an amendment see CMR 527 12:00


Charlie
 
Re: AC power cords and conduits

Originally posted by cpal:
If you are in Mass there is an amendment see CMR 527 12:00
Charlie
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Mass Amendments 2002
400.8(6). Add an exception as follows:

Exception: Flexible cord shall be permitted to be installed in raceways where its calculated ampacity has been further derated by a factor of 0.8, or where its ampacity has been calculated under 310.15(C).
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