Cord behind access panel

[cowboyjwc]

I have a senior care facility going in. The wanted to put the cords for the A/C units inside of a pop out and then put in an access door, I told them no citing 400.8(5).

My reasoning is that I don't see this any different than above a suspended ceiling. I do know that they have done this else where as they have pictures.

But as I think of it you can run a cord behind the access door for a hydromassage bathtub.

Any thoughts?

 

[charlie b]

The intent of that code section, I believe, is to make sure the cord is visible throughout its entire length. In the event it gets damaged, you want to be able, in theory, to see the damage. If you have to open an access door, in order to have a look, I think that is in keeping with the intent. I'd call it OK.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

I would not allow this either. Cords might never get seen in years and be unnoticed. To me it says hazard.

 

[petersonra]

I have a senior care facility going in. The wanted to put the cords for the A/C units inside of a pop out and then put in an access door, I told them no citing 400.8(5).

My reasoning is that I don't see this any different than above a suspended ceiling. I do know that they have done this else where as they have pictures.

But as I think of it you can run a cord behind the access door for a hydromassage bathtub.

Any thoughts?

400.8(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located
above suspended or dropped ceilings

I don't see that the access door is any of the prohibited items, so I do not see it as a code issue.

I also think that being protected by the door makes it less likely it will get damaged than if it is just sitting out in the open, so it may actually be safer.

 

[DRGREG]

I would not allow this either. Cords might never get seen in years and be unnoticed. To me it says hazard.

The cord on a refrigerator may not be seen for years, but is accepted.

 

[Cavie]

I guess we should put glass fronts on the bottom of our dishwashers so we can see the cords. Ranges? Washing machines? Trash compactors? Bar Ref's, Beer coolers in bars and the list goes on.

 

[cowboyjwc]

I guess we should put glass fronts on the bottom of our dishwashers so we can see the cords. Ranges? Washing machines? Trash compactors? Bar Ref's, Beer coolers in bars and the list goes on.

I'm not saying that you're not correct, but I guess that I thought I understood why they would not allow a flexible cord above a suspended ceiling, but now I'm starting to wonder.

You new guys are spoiled with you're plug in appliances, I hard wired everything for years, and let me tell you that disposals are not fun to do, but it could have been a local ordinace too.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

If we put one of them 2 x 4 tiles on hinges could we call that a door and then put a plug and receptacle above it ? This is about the same thing.

 

[DRGREG]

If we put one of them 2 x 4 tiles on hinges could we call that a door and then put a plug and receptacle above it ? This is about the same thing.

Uses Not Permitted speciffically states "above suspended or dropped ceilings" so I do not think that would work.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Uses Not Permitted speciffically states "above suspended or dropped ceilings" so I do not think that would work.

yes and also says behind walls. My point is this would still be behind a wall.

 

[mxslick]

When is a wall not a wall? When it is a cover.

Look up "cover" and 'wall" in both the NEC and the dictionary and you'll see ther is a distinct difference.

I would have absolutely no problem with a cover over a cord.