Ceiling Receptacle

[dennisrau]

I have two electrical engineers in two different states. One says it is okay to install a duplex receptacle above the drop in tile ceiling tile, non-plenum space, the other says it is against the NEC code but offered no reference.

Is this a code issue or AHLJ?

 

[ron]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

Oddly enough, you can install the receptacle above a suspended ceiling, but you can't plug anything into it.
See NEC 2002 Article 400.8

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

I had posted about this a while ago, stating that in my opinion it should be illegal. I even posted a draft for a change submittal that I have been thinking about proposing.

I agree that it is allowed, and I sure didn't get much support when I stated that it should not be allowed.

 

[tonyi]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

Originally posted by ryan_618:
I agree that it is allowed, and I sure didn't get much support when I stated that it should not be allowed.

Perhaps because not everything that might be plugged into one above a ceiling necessarily has "flexible cord" to the receptical? (consider telco/cable company type gizmo boxes that have a transformer adapter to power their internal electronics).

 

[electricman2]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

How about cord and plug connected condensate pumps for A/C air handlers installed in the space avove a suspended ceiling? They would require a receptacle.

 

[ron]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

It will be a call of the AHJ. Many are stating to use only pumps that can be hardwired via an acceptable wiring method from the pump to a jbox.

 

[steve66]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

Assume an outlet was installed above the ceiling grid for servicing HVAC equipment per 210.63. (I know this outlet doesn't have to be above the ceiling grid, but nothing says it can't be.) Wouldn't it be OK for the HVAC service guy to use it to plug his drill into as he is servicing the unit? Assume he is only using it while he has a few ceiling tiles removed, so he is not concealing a cord.

Steve

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

in my opinion it should be illegal

Why?

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

Originally posted by electricmanscott:

in my opinion it should be illegal

Why?

Because there is nothing you can legally plug into it.

 

[tonyi]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

Originally posted by ryan_618:
Because there is nothing you can legally plug into it.

What about my transformer example? Once you're past the brick into low voltage land the rules change. The prohibition seems to be on flexible cord, not "stuff" in the most general sense.

 

[steve66]

Re: Ceiling Receptacle

Originally posted by ryan_618:
]Because there is nothing you can legally plug into it.

I think I agree with tonyi. I was also trying to point out what I think is a legal use in my previous post. If a service person uses the receptacle on a temporary basis, it is a legal use.

Steve