California adopted the 2002 NEC last August (2004 CEC). As the electrical inspector in my office I was tasked with reviewing the code changes with my fellow inspectors. One of the changes, 400.8, prohibited uses of flexible cords above ceilings. We need help with an issue related to condensate pumps above ceilings. Most come with a cord and are plugged into receptacles. Is there a way to meet this code requirement and still use a corded piece of equipment? For example, are any juristictions allowing equipment to be mounted in enclosures. Would that be considered to be "not in the ceiling"?
Art. 400.8 Cords
- Thread starter Cal-Bear
- Start date
- Status
ron
Senior Member
- Location
- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
Re: Art. 400.8 Cords
It seems that the intent of the code change, is to prohibit cords (and indirectly the associated receptacle) from "being out of sight, out of mind".
I have told our mechanical engineers that they are not to specify cord/cap type condensation pumps, and only hard wired types.
It seems that the intent of the code change, is to prohibit cords (and indirectly the associated receptacle) from "being out of sight, out of mind".
I have told our mechanical engineers that they are not to specify cord/cap type condensation pumps, and only hard wired types.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
Re: Art. 400.8 Cords
I've often wondered about the condensate pump with the cord and plug above the ceiling. IMO it has been used for many years without any problems and should be an exception to the general prohibition. Besides, I think that in almost all cases the pump will fail long before the cord will.
I've often wondered about the condensate pump with the cord and plug above the ceiling. IMO it has been used for many years without any problems and should be an exception to the general prohibition. Besides, I think that in almost all cases the pump will fail long before the cord will.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Art. 400.8 Cords
I have had to start hardwiring them. :roll:
I could not agree more.
sandsnow
Senior Member
- Location
- Southern California
Re: Art. 400.8 Cords
Seriously, if the pump is listed, see if it has been investigated for use above a suspended ceiling and if UL intends to keep on listing them that way in lieu of the code change. I have never bothered to see if those things are listed.
The pump inside a sheet metal enclosure would get it out of the ceiling.
They do the above or use hardwired pumps when it is a return air ceiling space.
Oh yeah. The cord runs up through the t-bar over and down through the t-bar to a recep. Using one or more 2 wire extension cords.
Seriously, if the pump is listed, see if it has been investigated for use above a suspended ceiling and if UL intends to keep on listing them that way in lieu of the code change. I have never bothered to see if those things are listed.
The pump inside a sheet metal enclosure would get it out of the ceiling.
They do the above or use hardwired pumps when it is a return air ceiling space.
- Status