Cords and Ceilings

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augie47

augie47

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Not wanting to throw Pandora's box fully open on the controversy concerning cords above drop ceilings, has there been any Code update to resolve the difference of opinions ?
The last thread I find in my search was closed in '14.
At that time there wer two basic schools of thought: Mike and others were of the opinion that
UL 817 powers cords were not covered by Art 400 whereas others felt ALL cords were covered by Art 400.
Again, not wanted to restart the controversy, I have it it my mind that there have been Code changers that clarify the situation (controversy).

1. Are there pertinent Code changes that put that issue it to rest ?
2. Would any Art 725 wiring methods eb subject to the Artt 400 rules ?
 
I was reading somewhere the other day and read that the code changed and/or clarified the ruling specifically because of Mike Holt's thinking on this. It went opposite of MH opinion.
Now if I could remember where I read that. It was probably here but can't say for sure.
 
Little Bill said:
specifically because of Mike Holt's thinking on this. It went opposite of MH opinion.
Click to expand...

:( Shame on you.

Must have been the same day you were changing those standard receptacles out to GFI's on that RV Storage place. :)


JAP>
 
augie47 said:
Not wanting to throw Pandora's box fully open on the controversy concerning cords above drop ceilings, has there been any Code update to resolve the difference of opinions ?
The last thread I find in my search was closed in '14.
At that time there wer two basic schools of thought: Mike and others were of the opinion that
UL 817 powers cords were not covered by Art 400 whereas others felt ALL cords were covered by Art 400.
Again, not wanted to restart the controversy, I have it it my mind that there have been Code changers that clarify the situation (controversy).

1. Are there pertinent Code changes that put that issue it to rest ?
2. Would any Art 725 wiring methods eb subject to the Artt 400 rules ?
Click to expand...

1. Language was changed in the 2017 at 400.12 to specifically call out power supply cords and cords sets in an attempt to put this to rest.
2. I think I would refer to 400.10(10) "where specifically permitted elsewhere in this code".
 
Clarification: What about a low-voltage power supply (i.e., a "wall wart") where the plug is part of the body, and there is no 120v cable?

Is that previously allowed, previously not allowed, and what effect does the 2017 change have on this?
 
Little Bill said:
I was reading somewhere the other day and read that the code changed and/or clarified the ruling specifically because of Mike Holt's thinking on this. It went opposite of MH opinion.
Now if I could remember where I read that. It was probably here but can't say for sure.
Click to expand...

Saw the same but I can't remember where either. EC&M maybe? I remember it clarified equipment line cords making them the same as flexible cordage. Wall warts are OK plugged into a receptacle above a suspended ceiling, line cords are not.

-Hal
 
LarryFine said:
Clarification: What about a low-voltage power supply (i.e., a "wall wart") where the plug is part of the body, and there is no 120v cable?

Is that previously allowed, previously not allowed, and what effect does the 2017 change have on this?
Click to expand...

I believe it was, and still is allowed. No NEC 400 flexible cords and cables are being used.
 
LarryFine said:
Clarification: What about a low-voltage power supply (i.e., a "wall wart") where the plug is part of the body, and there is no 120v cable?

Is that previously allowed, previously not allowed, and what effect does the 2017 change have on this?
Click to expand...

A Class 2 or 3 plug in LV tranny (wall wart) may be used if the output cable is the correct Class 2 or 3 cable type, article 725-no 400.

Note, not a plenum though.
 
texie said:
1. Language was changed in the 2017 at 400.12 to specifically call out power supply cords and cords sets in an attempt to put this to rest.
2. I think I would refer to 400.10(10) "where specifically permitted elsewhere in this code".
Click to expand...

packersparky said:
I believe it was, and still is allowed. No NEC 400 flexible cords and cables are being used.
Click to expand...

I think I'm with you packersparky, I don't see much as changed. IIRC The previous argument was that cords that come factory installed on stuff aren't article 400 cords. Adding the word "power supply cord" in article 400 doesn't make something that isn't an article 400 thing, an article 400 thing.
 
electrofelon said:
I think I'm with you packersparky, I don't see much as changed. IIRC The previous argument was that cords that come factory installed on stuff aren't article 400 cords. Adding the word "power supply cord" in article 400 doesn't make something that isn't an article 400 thing, an article 400 thing.
Click to expand...

I am not sure I know exactly what you are referring to.

LV class 2 tranny that Larry mentioned or the power cord argument concerning the two different UL specs for cords?
 
augie47 said:
Not wanting to throw Pandora's box fully open on the controversy concerning cords above drop ceilings, has there been any Code update to resolve the difference of opinions ?
The last thread I find in my search was closed in '14.
At that time there wer two basic schools of thought: Mike and others were of the opinion that
UL 817 powers cords were not covered by Art 400 whereas others felt ALL cords were covered by Art 400.
Again, not wanted to restart the controversy, I have it it my mind that there have been Code changers that clarify the situation (controversy).

1. Are there pertinent Code changes that put that issue it to rest ?
2. Would any Art 725 wiring methods eb subject to the Artt 400 rules ?
Click to expand...

Yes there was a change. They added power supply cord and cord sets to 400-12 use not permitted as of the 2017 code cycle.
 
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