Code question

[don_resqcapt19]

Lots of NEC rules for wall receptacles in the building, but equipment plugged into the building has separate NRTL / test requirements for the purpose.

NEC 110.3(B) requires you follow listed
equipment instructions for any cord cap wire size, stranding type, torque, & temp. limit specs.

For example, if the wire in your cord was too small for the load, causing excess temperature rise, that would be a listing violation.

While that is an issue, nothing in the NEC, including 110.3(B), applies to a home made cord as that is not installed. The NEC is an installation code and not a use code.

 

[ramsy]

While that is an issue, nothing in the NEC, including 110.3(B), applies to a home made cord as that is not installed. The NEC is an installation code and not a use code.

Understood 110.3(B) describes listed equipment, with installers liable for violating tested limits, specs, and/or instructions.

Having trouble wrapping my knucklehead around flexible cords, cord caps, or user equip. & appliances not requiring NRTL testing?

Must less any such Un-Listed flexible cords --from Amazon.com with (CE) mark-- being exempt from "Uses not permitted" in 400.12(1-7), 210.50(C), 430.22(G), etc..

 

[Jraef]

This is helpful. If possible, please detail what specific regulation is being referenced in this response.

OSHA rules apply to all workplaces, and ignorance of the law is not an excuse, so supervisors and manager can be held CRIMINALLY responsible if there is an accident:

• 29 [CFR§1910.303 – Conductors and equipment are acceptable only if approved. Equipment shall be free from recognized hazards.
• 29 [CFR§1910.305(a)(2) - Temporary wiring needs to protect flexible cords and cables from accidental damage.
• 29 [CFR§1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B) – period not to exceed 90 days for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals and similar purposes, relating to lighting used for specific and temporary purposes, since over time the wiring can break down and become a hazard.

 

[mtnelect]

Extension cords in an office environment are a big deal ! When the fire department comes around on their yearly inspections. When there is a fire and employees are exiting the building they don't want them tripping on extension cords.

 

[ramsy]

Extension cords in an office environment are a big deal ! When the fire department comes around on their yearly inspections. When there is a fire and employees are exiting the building they don't want them tripping on extension cords.

If an alarm trips & rolls the fire engines, they don't like leaving a false alarm without checking the building.

I've re-arrange computers & printers to remove extension cords after fire dpt. is gone, but didn't study the cited code.

A search shows fire marshal extension-cord policy cite similar wording, regardless of adopted versions of UFC, IFC, or NEC.

Here is a California fire marshal citing the Uniform Fire Code, adopted from Section 11.1 of NFPA 1.

Here is the Kansas State fire marshal citing the IFC & NEC

Federal & military bases may adopt similar language from OSHA, as Jaref pointed out in post #23 above.

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2) is for power strips.

All these different codes require listed equipment cords & power strips.

Home made cords, stuff from eBay, or Amazon with (CE) marks appear prohibited by all fire marshals, and OSHA.

 

[Jraef]

EVERY time a fire marshal visited my office, we got written up for extension cords.

 

[TVH]

At work, someone has removed the insulation from an SO cord to take current readings on the energized circuit (black wire). Can anyone tell me if this is a code violation, and if so, what code? Thank you.

Don't compromise the integrety of the cord as designed. Doing so creates a potential hazard and subjects the cord to additional damage. Look at state of the art diagonstic testing gear such as what Klein tools manufacturs (line spliter).