Cords Versus Cord Equipped Appliances Located Above a Suspended Ceiling

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Another application that is becoming more prevalent is in hospitals for patient lifts. The power supply looks like a laptop power supply and the 12 volt leads energize the rail which the actual lift is attached to. The hospitals want these power sources plugged into above ceiling receptacles. The definition of an appliance is just nebulous enough to make the case that the device is an appliance which is the direction from the Electrical Engineering firm I am working with. I have suggested to the US distributor for this product which is European, that a simple transformer such as is used for doorbells would not only satisfy the NEC requirements, but would also be a much cheaper alternative. At any rate you win some battles and you lose some, the engineer's name is on the document OK'ing this installation, not mine.
 
lpalmer said:
Also see Section 424.10 for special permission.
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I would not use this section to justify the use of flexible cord for the installation of a furnace. JMHO.

I do understand your concern, but the NEC is very restrictive on the use of flexible cord as a general wiring method. In the case of a furnace the reason for the use of flexible cord is not for maintanience or easy replacement of a fixed in place piece of utilization equipment, but for low cost ease of installation.

Chris
 
foghorn280 said:
Another application that is becoming more prevalent is in hospitals for patient lifts. The power supply looks like a laptop power supply and the 12 volt leads energize the rail which the actual lift is attached to. The hospitals want these power sources plugged into above ceiling receptacles. The definition of an appliance is just nebulous enough to make the case that the device is an appliance which is the direction from the Electrical Engineering firm I am working with. I have suggested to the US distributor for this product which is European, that a simple transformer such as is used for doorbells would not only satisfy the NEC requirements, but would also be a much cheaper alternative. At any rate you win some battles and you lose some, the engineer's name is on the document OK'ing this installation, not mine.
Click to expand...

Thanks. That's another good example.
 
raider1 said:
I would not use this section to justify the use of flexible cord for the installation of a furnace. JMHO.

I do understand your concern, but the NEC is very restrictive on the use of flexible cord as a general wiring method. In the case of a furnace the reason for the use of flexible cord is not for maintanience or easy replacement of a fixed in place piece of utilization equipment, but for low cost ease of installation.

Chris
Click to expand...

This is usually what it all boils down to "dollars and cents" and our job as electricians, designers, and inspectors to comply with the Code and provide practical safeguarding...
 
foghorn280 said:
the engineer's name is on the document OK'ing this installation, not mine.
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I know all areas are not the same but, an engineers name or seal wouldn't mean anything in NC if the installation was in violation of applicable codes.

Roger
 
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