I am been having a discussion with some of my co-workers about placing a receptacle above a suspended ceiling and then running the projector cord through the mounting tube and plugging it into the receptacle above the ceiling. The projector cord can be unplugged from the back of the projector which would allow it to be easily disconnected and removed for maintenance. I have always taken the stance that plugging a flexible cord into a receptacle above the ceiling for such equipment is not allowed by the code per NEC 400.8 (5). However, I was wondering if 400.7(8) would apply and allow the installation?
Ceiling projector and nec 400.8 & 400.7
- Thread starter DOHMER
- Start date
- Status
walkerj
Senior Member
- Location
- Baton Rouge
The flexible cord is not allowed above the ceiling.
Cut the outlet in facing down.
Cut the outlet in facing down.
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
I agree
- Location
- Logan, Utah
I agree as well. This is a very common code violation.
Chris
Chris
walkerj
Senior Member
- Location
- Baton Rouge
Very common violation but it is something I see speced by EEs all too often.
RICK NAPIER
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
I once had an EE fax me twenty seven pages justfying his design of putting the projector receptacles in the drop ceiling. Every page cords are mentioned in the code and installation instructions for the projector. I called him back and said page two says you can't do it.
stew
Senior Member
- Location
- federal way,washington
i have run in to this at times. What I do is run mc cable down to an outlet mounted in the cueiling tile and leave the cord on the outside. not as hidden of course but code compliant nevertheless
- Location
- Logan, Utah
400.7(8) permits an appliance to be cord and plug connected. It does not supersede 400.8(5) though. So the appliance cord can not be installed above a suspended ceiling or pass through the ceiling tile.
Chris
muskrat
Member
- Location
- St. Louis, MO
Have done several....don't have manufact. right now(PM if you want it) but they make a real nice bracket/pipe stub/2X2 panel with KO for mounting box and LV terminations in the face of the panel. Has hardware etc. for neat job.(even used white duplex and plate....sweet)
Hendrix
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
I run into it all the time with condensate pumps.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Since this is such a common installation method why can't we just remove the prohibition for such things as projectors, security cameras, condensate pumps, etc? IMO the appliance will fail or be changed long before the cord wears out.
- Location
- Logan, Utah
- Location
- Massachusetts
Sounds like a code change proposal.
I would rather see the manufacturers provide equipment capable of being hardwired instead of opening a door that IMO should remain closed.
billsnuff
Senior Member
- Location
- East of 480sparky
Ditto with muscrat said, just installed one with place for LV and Recept.
Will check on brand.
Will check on brand.
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
If that was the case then we sould take out all of the sections that mention "unsused opening." since I write this one up way more than I write up a cord above a droped ceiling.
If it's common it must be acceptable?
elohr46
Senior Member
- Location
- square one
I don't see why it has to be such a big deal to install a recept. flush with or below a dropped ceiling for projectors or cameras, as far as condensate pumps go you can purchase a hard wired model.
- Location
- Logan, Utah
billsnuff
Senior Member
- Location
- East of 480sparky
this is the last one i installed
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=R1moTeHEJs6jtgfbn5jeBw&ved=0CGwQ8gIwAA#
Epson ceiling mount picture and specs.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=R1moTeHEJs6jtgfbn5jeBw&ved=0CGwQ8gIwAA#
Epson ceiling mount picture and specs.
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