Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

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ryans

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I am a mechanical contractor... Is it against NEC to use permanent extension cords under a grease exhaust hood? I have a customer who wants to use 6' long extension cords for a digital timer in many of their stores across the country. Please advise...
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

Originally posted by ryans:
Is it against NEC to use permanent extension cords under a grease exhaust hood?
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Most likely yes, that sounds like a violation.

400.8 Uses Not Permitted.
Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

(1)As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

(2)Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

(3)Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings

(4)Where attached to building surfaces
Exception: Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.8.

(5)Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings

(6)Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code
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Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

I would not think the range hood is part of the building structure.
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

Deleted, double post. Software glitch.

[ March 09, 2004, 04:32 PM: Message edited by: bennie ]
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

I don't believe it applies to 400.8

It is not:

a substitute for fixed wiring of the structure
It's not penetrating anything
It's not concealed or in a raceway

It would be an exposed cord simply extending a timer cord which is anywhere from 1' - 6' in length currently.
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

Is it going to be "hardwired" at one or both ends?

Is there a reason flexibility is needed?

In general if it is hardwired and there is no direct reason for it to be cord, then it is a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.

Many fire Dept's. have a real issue with cords and to install "permanent extension cords under a grease exhaust hood" I think they would even be less happy about. :D

They might even cite this.

300.22 Wiring in Ducts, Plenums, and Other Air-Handling Spaces.

The provisions of this section apply to the installation and uses of electric wiring and equipment in ducts, plenums, and other air-handling spaces.

(A) Ducts for Dust, Loose Stock, or Vapor Removal. No wiring systems of any type shall be installed in ducts used to transport dust, loose stock, or flammable vapors. No wiring system of any type shall be installed in any duct, or shaft containing only such ducts, used for vapor removal or for ventilation of commercial-type cooking equipment.
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There is an article allowing listed light fixtures in hoods but the wiring method must remain outside the hood.
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

Bob has it correctly, as to the reference. Sometimes commonsense has to prevail. We all have all seen the results that time and cooking have on the interior of hoods. Anyone who wants to install cords as to a permanent wiring method inside the hood is asking for trouble down the road.
From UL: 'Cordsets and power supply cords are not intended to be used as a substitiute for the fixed wiring of a structure"...

Pierre
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

These cords will not be in the duct or inside the hood. It will be 3' - 4' below the hood itself.

Some of the timers have transformers on them and they are mounted on a work table. Most of the timers have very short cords. The extension cord will be a 3 prong 6 feet long and neither end will be hardwired, but flexibility is a must.
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

Can you clarify "3-4' under the hood"? Does the cord go over or behind a grill or a stove or oven? I believe there is also a requirement (not NEC but maybe the mechanical code) that requires all power under the hood to be shut off when the fire supression system kicks in. (I'm not 100% sure if its all power "under" the hood or "in" the hood). But from everything else that's been cited, it sounds like you are in a grey area at best.

Any reason they can't just put the receptacle on the same side of the hood as the timer and not run the cord under the hood?

Steve
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

These hoods are anywhere from 7' - 10' in length. The timer/worktable sits between 2 fryers.

The worktable is the same height as the fryers.(meaning it is beneath the hood, but has a 3-4' clearance from the work table to the bottom edge of the grease hood.) Some cords may run behind the fryers, but below the flue.

All receptacles under the hood are interlocked with the ansul system.
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

Sounds like a scary place for an extension cord. What about ambient temperature and corrosive conditions. Is there a potential issue here?

Bob
 
Re: Code look... extension cords under grease hoods

All installations must be suitable for the conditions of use. Under a range hood in a commercial kitchen would be an area subject to moisture, high heat, and corrosives at times. Any wiring method installed there would have to be rated for use in these conditions.
Extension cords are for use temporarily; Such as running a cord connected item for a one time use (say, to drill holes in the range hood to install the permanently installed wiring method). Using extension cords for any permanent reason is a violation of the code.
Running cords, however, is allowed. Many appliances have cords, these are allowed, of course. The problem is extending the cords with extension cords for a permanent installation.
Earl
 
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