Appliances connected to Relocatable Power Taps

[swatj]

I have a Safety Specialist that says that you cannot connect an appliance to a power strip. UL refers to power strips as Relocatable Power Tap (RPTs). My question is if it is rated for 15A 120v and especially if it has an OCPD then why not? I can understand the argument if I was using a lamp cord but not the RPT. Do you think that I have an argument with his ruling just because the mfg. did not list every specific use for this RPT device when it was filed with UL?

 

[LarryFine]

Swat, welcome to the forum.


Let me start this conversation by asking why the appliance in question isn't plugged directly into a receptacle?

Second, what is the appliance? A microwave?

 

[hurk27]

I think the buzz around Relocatable Power Tap's are the most hypocritical requirements I have ever seen, we all know good and well they are marketed to be permanently plugged in to provide extra receptacles for entertainment systems, computer centers, and many other useful areas like work benches, and I have seen all the above come with them permanently installed in them, or on them, but according to UL they are not meant to be used in that manner, as they are only listed for "temporary use" yea right, sure we will use a $40.00 surge strip to only temporary power our computer, and 5 years later it's still there.
I just cant believe a device should be allowed to be marketed and used in direct conflict with the very UL listing that allows them to be manufactured.

U.L.1363 1.1 These requirements cover cord-connected, relocatable power taps rated 250 V AC or less and 20 A AC or less. A relocatable power tap is intended only for indoor use as a temporary extension of a grounding alternating-current branch circuit for general use.

About the same listing for extension cords:roll:

And they wonder why we have so much confusion in the electrical world.

 

[jeremysterling]

I agree with hurk27.

This past week, I had a service call to run power for a row of display cases at a big box. The display cases had the RPT's hidden in the top compartment and the installer had daisy-chained six cases (ergo, the RPT's). Trying my best to employ diplomatic relations , I suggested to management that this was not a good way to hook it up. I was told the case manufacturer's instructions were to install them in this manner. I did not see the instructions, but I can believe that I was told correctly.

I set some boxes and CR20's and separated the RPT's.

As for the OP, the Safety Specialist is doing his job. The electrician's job is to climb a ladder and cut in a new receptacle.

 

[WorkSafe]

We do not allow appliances, i.e. microwaves, fridges, etc to be plugged into power strips.

We just do that to prevent the workers from overloading the circuits. I don't always agree with it if they are using the power strip in accordance with the manufacturer instructions, but it is what it is.

 

[zbang]

The whole 'temporary' concept becomes absurd when you have a single rack of 20+ servers, does the UL really expect anyone to install that many individual receptacles?

 

[hurk27]

We do not allow appliances, i.e. microwaves, fridges, etc to be plugged into power strips.

We just do that to prevent the workers from overloading the circuits. I don't always agree with it if they are using the power strip in accordance with the manufacturer instructions, but it is what it is.

And I agree the RPT's should never be used in place of a permanent wiring method, but we all also know the consumer who only reads whats on the package in a store (if they even do that) will use them, they have no idea what a UL listing is.

The whole 'temporary' concept becomes absurd when you have a single rack of 20+ servers, does the UL really expect anyone to install that many individual receptacles?

There are many multiple receptacle wiring methods out there, Wire Mold make a system called plug mold, which is hard wired and is accepted by the NEC and UL, so there is other methods other then using a plug in RPT.

 

[nakulak]

there are server racks made with plug strips attached - it's not necessary to use RPT's for the servers.

However, I think that the use of "temporary" and "permanent" should be considered. Since the NEC prohibits the use of plug and cord connections in lieu of "permanent" wiring, I believe that is why the use of temporary is construed to mean anything no permanent. A portable plug and cord connected appliance (microwave not mounted to wall, compter, etc) that is not permanently attached to the building is temporary (IMO), and I therefore don't see a problem with using the RPT in that scenario. (JMO)

 

[hurk27]

We do not allow appliances, i.e. microwaves, fridges, etc to be plugged into power strips.

We just do that to prevent the workers from overloading the circuits. I don't always agree with it if they are using the power strip in accordance with the manufacturer instructions, but it is what it is.

I'll bet you have one or more in your house, and this is what I meant in post 3

I think the buzz around Relocatable Power Tap's are the most hypocritical requirements

I know myself I have many in my house, so I'm included.

You say you disallow them to prevent over loads, but the thing with that is if the circuits are properly wire to the NEC there would be no danger with this, no different then putting 12 receptacles on a single circuit, the worst that would happen would be the breaker would open, but the latter would be code compliant.

I have seen where some manufactures do put on the packaging that they are only intended to be used temporary, but that is rare.

 

[WorkSafe]

When I say "We don't allow them", I mean in our facilities. I don't make a stink about them really unless they are clearly being abused. I mention it when I start seeing dasiy chained power strips. These are typically found in the office and work station areas of the shops and not being used for equipment.

 

[zbang]

there are server racks made with plug strips attached - it's not necessary to use RPT's for the servers.

What is the difference if they both have cords? The plug strip that I order in a rack is usually bolted in by the factory, but can also be a field addition (and works just as well if it's sitting on the floor).

Or, should these be treated differently?

http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtSeriesID=837&txtModelID=1965 (6-outlet power strip, has mounting brackets)

http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtSeriesID=834&txtModelID=1951 (6-outlet rack-mount power strip)

AFAICT they're both RPTs.

I'm really just looking for where to draw a line, other than using (un)common sense. (I do have a problem with cheapo power strips tywrapped in to a rack, but they're kind of handy under the desk.)

There are many multiple receptacle wiring methods out there, Wire Mold make a system called plug mold, which is hard wired and is accepted by the NEC and UL, so there is other methods other then using a plug in RPT.

Hardwired power inside computer racks is both uncommon and rather expensive.

 

[wireguru]

the ones bolted into server racked are listed as IT Equipment, not as a relocateable power tap. A RPT cannot be mounted such that tools are required to remove it.

 

[zbang]

Citation? I see where your going, but a generic plug strip can be mounted such tools are required (i.e. tywrapped in place). And how does bolting something in place make it IT equipment? Without the UL rating info, almost all of this is conjecture. (RPTs are UL standard 1363, IT-rated power distribution is probably in UL 60950-1. I don't have either of them, so I'm trying to figure where to put the line, other than looking at the device for the UL std number.)

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Citation? I see where your going, but a generic plug strip can be mounted such tools are required (i.e. tywrapped in place). And how does bolting something in place make it IT equipment? Without the UL rating info, almost all of this is conjecture. (RPTs are UL standard 1363, IT-rated power distribution is probably in UL 60950-1. I don't have either of them, so I'm trying to figure where to put the line, other than looking at the device for the UL std number.)

If you install or mount the RPT it becomes a 110.3(B) violation.

Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured to building structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring.

The above is from the UL Guide information for Relocatable Power Taps.
It appears that a Relocatable Power Tap-Component would be the device that is permanently mounted on the IT equipment rack.

 

[wireguru]

i have one of the rackmount ones. its not listed as a RPT. Its listed under UL 60950 NWGQ which is Information Technology Equipment Including Electrical Business Equipment.

RPT is listed under UL1363 XYBS which says "Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured to building structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring." OSHA interprets this as must be able to be removed without the use of tools.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

wireguru,
I don't see anything in NWGQ that would cover a "RPT" unless they are calling it a power distribution unit.

 

[wireguru]

wireguru,
I don't see anything in NWGQ that would cover a "RPT" unless they are calling it a power distribution unit.

exactly. the units that are rackmount are not a RPT, its a power distribution unit for IT equipment. They are often used in other applications such as A/V which I see as inconsistent with the listing, but thats probably an entire different discussion.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

exactly. the units that are rackmount are not a RPT, its a power distribution unit for IT equipment. They are often used in other applications such as A/V which I see as inconsistent with the listing, but thats probably an entire different discussion.

My point is that I don't see anything in NWGQ that would apply to anything that is even remotely similar to a RPT.
It is my opinion that a simple plug and multiple receptacle type of device is not a "power distribution unit" and is a RPT-componet device. (XBYS2) The UL guide information permits the permanent installation of the RPT-compenet device to a rack or cart.

 

[wireguru]

My point is that I don't see anything in NWGQ that would apply to anything that is even remotely similar to a RPT.
It is my opinion that a simple plug and multiple receptacle type of device is not a "power distribution unit" and is a RPT-componet device. (XBYS2) The UL guide information permits the permanent installation of the RPT-compenet device to a rack or cart.

heres the UL number for the one I have E214832

here's the product page
http://www.geistmfg.com/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/catalog/store/get?webid=geistmfg&pItemID=108


correct me if im wrong, but when ul permits permanant installation of the RPT to a rack or cart, isnt that for portable racks and cards -not racks that are permanantly installed?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

heres the UL number for the one I have E214832

here's the product page
http://www.geistmfg.com/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/catalog/store/get?webid=geistmfg&pItemID=108

So UL considders a simple plug strip to be a "power distribution unit". I would not have expected that.

correct me if im wrong, but when ul permits permanant installation of the RPT to a rack or cart, isnt that for portable racks and cards -not racks that are permanantly installed?

I think you are correct. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.