Extension cord use

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SmithBuilt said:
It's odd to me that they will allow the cord to stay as long as we plug it into a surge protector.

Basically violating their own rule.
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I'm thinking you may have misunderstood the Fire Marshal.
I've fixed several of these violations with a surge suppressor strip that had a 15 foot cord
and then plugged the computers into them. Even had a calculator turned down (we all know what a huge current draw they have) :eek:)
Fire marshal made it very clear an extension cord was not to be seen when he returned
to check the repairs.
 
qcroanoke said:
I'm thinking you may have misunderstood the Fire Marshal.
I've fixed several of these violations with a surge suppressor strip that had a 15 foot cord
and then plugged the computers into them. Even had a calculator turned down (we all know what a huge current draw they have) :eek:)
Fire marshal made it very clear an extension cord was not to be seen when he returned
to check the repairs.
Click to expand...

No, he clearly stated he was ok with the use of a cord as long as it was plugged into a surge protector.

Not that it matters the rule is clear. You cannot use a flexible cord in a permanent situation. 605.5 in the fire code.
 
SmithBuilt said:
No, he clearly stated he was ok with the use of a cord as long as it was plugged into a surge protector.

Not that it matters the rule is clear. You cannot use a flexible cord in a permanent situation. 605.5 in the fire code.
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Strange....... I'm like you, seems like it is still a violation.


If you can't use a flexible cord in a permanent situation I hope he never comes around here.......
 
The cords with surge protection are listed in the White Book as Surge Protective Devices (SPD") and are tested under different standards then extension cords. In the White Book extention cords are specifically prohibited from replacing perminant wiring metthods. There is not a similar prohibition for SPD's. In my experience we have accepted SPD's but not extention cords.
 
SmithBuilt said:
No, he clearly stated he was ok with the use of a cord as long as it was plugged into a surge protector.

Not that it matters the rule is clear. You cannot use a flexible cord in a permanent situation. 605.5 in the fire code.
Click to expand...

Is he talking
1.) a Type 3 SPD or
2.) "plugged into a surge protector" as an SPD in the panel?:-?
Two different things.
 
My wife, being a secretary at a church goes through this every year with the fire marshall.
She's finally made it clear to the powers that be within the church that they will get written up for code violations if they use regular extension cords.
The fire marshall is very OK with using surge protectors with built in breakers. So now they have tons of these things strung around the church walls to plug in lamps and such.
Bottom line- extension cords are not OK - Proper surge protectors are OK

For an application like what you are describing with the organ, I would think using extending the circuit to be closer to the organ via wiremold or some such means would be a better way to go. I know times are tough for churchs right now too just like for a lot of us so the surge protector method is probably the most financially feasable.

As far as donating times - my understanding is that financially hard pressed churches still have to claim those donation receipts as income, so if still costs them.
 
This sounds like theres a more 'important' battle for the fire marshall to go chasing after of. Be honest, how many churche fires have you seen/heard of started by the extension cords. I think ive seen ALOT of extension cords used in churches in my area and there was never a problem. In fact since its only used while they are in sevice if there was a problem it would be noticed right away. I know this is not code, but I just think there are more 'dangerous' battles to fight then to beat up on a church about an extension cord during hard times.

Im glad they are willing to allow the surge supressors as this may be the more financially feasible way to deal with this issue for some churches.
 
brother said:
This sounds like theres a more 'important' battle for the fire marshall to go chasing after of. Be honest, how many churche fires have you seen/heard of started by the extension cords. I think ive seen ALOT of extension cords used in churches in my area and there was never a problem. In fact since its only used while they are in sevice if there was a problem it would be noticed right away. I know this is not code, but I just think there are more 'dangerous' battles to fight then to beat up on a church about an extension cord during hard times.

Im glad they are willing to allow the surge supressors as this may be the more financially feasible way to deal with this issue for some churches.
Click to expand...

Hello, that may be because they get inspected by the Fire dept every year.:smile:
 
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