cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

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dscottmm

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I am installing a receptacle above a tile ceiling for a cord and plug condensate pump for the evaporater pan under the Ac. 400.8(5) says , Where concealed by walls, floors or ceilings, or located above suspended or dropped ceilings.not permitted .Is there an exeption to this ? Imput appreciated thanks .

[ April 26, 2005, 10:33 PM: Message edited by: dscottmm ]
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

Ron is right, this is a violation of 400.8(5). It seems rather odd since the scenario that you described is a very common application where a cord connected condensate pump is located adjacent to an AC unit mounted above a hung ceiling. This is how almost all of the units that we've seen lately are set up. Your option would be to use a pump that is intended to be hardwired and hardwire it to a disconnect switch. Usually the HVAC contractor or the maintenance guys hate this since he needs en electrcian to change out the pump.

[ April 26, 2005, 11:42 PM: Message edited by: infinity ]
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

400.7(A)(8) allows the use of a flexible cord to the pump.

400.8(5) Prohibits it from being above the hung ceiling.

[ April 27, 2005, 12:06 AM: Message edited by: infinity ]
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

Dave,
I'm glad in your jurisdiction, you are "flexible" in the way you interpret "specifically permitted in 400.7"
In some jurisdictions, the word "specifically" means that essentially a condensate pump with the correct serial # would have to be listed in 400.7 to be OK above the suspended ceiling.

[ April 27, 2005, 08:25 AM: Message edited by: ron ]
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

The good news is that if you are only installing a receptacle it really does not affect you. Whatever gets plugged in after you're gone is someone elses problem. :)

[ April 27, 2005, 07:50 AM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

Originally posted by electricmanscott:
Whatever gets plugged in after you're gone is someone elses problem. :)
Click to expand...
Are you sure you work in MA? :D

The inspectors I have been meeting pick up on this very issue and insist that the HVAC contractor provide a pump that can be hard wired.
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

OK, I have to ask this, how is a condensate drain in the ceiling not going to have enough fall to pipe it to a floor drain or other approved receptor (standpipe, outside, etc.) so that a pump would not be necessary? :roll:
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

Originally posted by rcarroll:
OK, I have to ask this, how is a condensate drain in the ceiling not going to have enough fall to pipe it to a floor drain or other approved receptor (standpipe, outside, etc.) so that a pump would not be necessary? :D
Click to expand...
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

infinity

400.7(A)(8) allows the use of a flexible cord to the pump.

400.8(5) Prohibits it from being above the hung ceiling.
Click to expand...
Thanks Ron!

Infinity,
The NEC is not a perfect document and is not intended to be. It is written with the concept that inspectors and AHJs will apply the code in each situation fairly and with the overall concept in mind.
If you re-read #8 again, you may see how this applies in this situation. These pumps are listed equipment and designed to be cord and plug connected.
If the NEC did not want to allow *any* flexible cords above a ceiling, they certainly could have very simply written it into the code.
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

"The NEC is not a perfect document and is not intended to be"

I find this interesting. At about $70 per copy,they do not claim to even be right ????
What a scam.Millions of $$$$$$ and don't even claim to be right.Wish i could be wrong and make big bucks.Ok Bob ,say your defence for nec,like you always do.
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

Originally posted by jimwalker:
"The NEC is not a perfect document and is not intended to be"

I find this interesting. At about $70 per copy,they do not claim to even be right ????
What a scam.Millions of $$$$$$ and don't even claim to be right.Wish i could be wrong and make big bucks.Ok Bob ,say your defence for nec,like you always do.
Click to expand...
:roll: :roll: :roll:

Jim, when you become perfect, let us know please.

[ April 27, 2005, 08:28 PM: Message edited by: peter d ]
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

Get over it Jim, you will always be mad that you can't get life for free won't you. The bottom line is you get what you put into it, so you must not put much into it.

You are one miserable soul as far as what you post here.


Roger

[ April 27, 2005, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: cord and plug condesate pump above ceiling not code com

Thanks for all the great input guys!I liked Rons interpretation the best . I passed on the ceiling inspection and the pumps were in place and plugged in. I am asuming this code is to help prevent the instalation of extension cords and other bad pratices. Thanks again and I hope it goes threw on my final. :)
 
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