As a cord reel manufacturer Sales Engineer, I have presented this subject matter and related NEC codes for four years to over 100 engineering firms and two dozen electrical contractors. I have presented this material at the International Electrical Inspector Association chapter meetings.
My efforts are shedding light with Professional Engineers to the point they are changing their specifications and drawing details.
For the below NEC code to apply to a cord reel, you must first agree that a
cord reel delivers temporary and portable power. A cord reel is nothing more than a glorified extension cord.
2017 NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 590.6(A)(1)
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15-, 20-, and 30-ampere receptacle outlets that are
not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and that are in use by personnel shall have ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel. In addition to this requirement, listed cord sets…identified for portable use shall be permitted.
I called AHJ's in three states (AZ, CO, UT) and they all confirmed a cord is NOT permanent because it comes from the factory with a cord and plug connector like a refrigerator. They consider a cord reel an appliance and therefore not permanent. Therefore, GFCI protection is required.
Now, the question becomes what type of Class A GFCI is applicable for this application? The absolutely, hands-down, best solution is the inline GFCI module with open neutral protection. A GFCI breaker or GFCI wall receptacle does not have the internal electronic circuits to offer open neutral protection. However, they are better than no GFCI anywhere on the branch circuit of a cord reel.
In short, open neutral GFCI protection trips when the neutral is nicked or severed. Without it, the neutral wire will remain energized and the potential for a shock hazard (or worse) is very real. Think about the application, the cord is laying on the floor, the SO cord outer jacket gets cut nicking the neutral. No one knows until they touch it by accident.
Hubbell Cord Reel with Inline Open Neutral GFCI Protection
Can you get around this code? Absolutely, just have the engineering specify a cord reel with flying leads on the end of the cord and hard wire it to the 4 square box branch circuit. It is then a permanent installation. However, cord reels are retractable which means the springs will eventually break and need serviced. By hardwiring, you just created additional and unnecessary challenges for facilities maintenance.
Always consider that NEC is minimum requirement. And, always consider the application and what type of people will be using the cord reel. For k-12 schools, STEM schools, CTE schools, higher education applications, the risk cord reels pose to these children is very real. Are your children using cord reels in school?
