cords

[paul renshaw]

Is it code legal to hang a cord drop from a junction(not a bus duct) box down to equipment that has a factory plug on it? The cords have strain reliefs on them also,and the ends are twistlocks. I see this a lot in industrial and commercial buildings.

[ November 05, 2003, 11:54 AM: Message edited by: paul renshaw ]

 

[tom baker]

Re: cords

Yes it is. See 400.7 and 400.10
The 1999 NEC was more restrictive on this application, but the 02 NEC allows it for "utilization equipment"

 

[paul renshaw]

Re: cords

Doesn't 400.7 (B) say you would have to use an attachment plug and be energized by a receptacle?

 

[tom baker]

Re: cords

Hmm, why yes it does. I have gone over this code change in 400.7 many times, there is a graphic in Mike Holts code change that shows just what the OP wants, and guess what, the graphic does not show it fed from a receptcle outlet. and the handbook states that portable cord can be hardwired, but not for pendants as the OP wanted.
Good catch.

 

[paul renshaw]

Re: cords

I see this done quite frequently, maybe if the equipment has wheels, you could classify it under 400.7(A)(10), and then it's legal?

 

[earlydean]

Re: cords

I'm not sure if you intended to imply that a cord cap was not allowed in this situation. But that is what I am reading between the lines. If so, look at 210.50(A). It considers a pendant cord with cord connector to be a receptacle outlet.

 

[pierre]

Re: cords

Maybe a little more info would help for this answer.
Such as is the equipment changed all that often (400.7(6)), does the equipment create vibration(400.7(7)).
Otherwise use a wiring method from Chapter 3.
But wait a minute... That is too hard!... That is too expensive!... The other guy did it this way!... They won't pay me for all that work when I can use a simple cord!... ETC... there are a lot of reasons why someone can find an easier, cheaper, faster way.

The better installers/contractors always find the way to do it properly.
The uneducated, better installers/contractors always learn from their mistakes and do it properly afterwards.
I am always one to say: You don't judge someone by the mistakes made, but how they try to fix them.

Pierre

[ November 06, 2003, 03:10 PM: Message edited by: pierre ]

 

[paul renshaw]

Re: cords

Thanks Earl, I had not noticed that one.