Extension cord use

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SmithBuilt

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Foothills of NC
The fire marshal has written a couple of violations for my church. Is an extension cord used to power an organ for a church a violation? Or for a desktop lamp?

The organ is hardly portable. Would you consider that a substitute for permanent wiring?

They will allow us to leave it if we install a surge protector with a built in breaker.
 
I would think that, yes, it is being used as a substitute for a permanent wiring method. Every organ I have seen in a church wasn't easily movable.
 
Yes, they write them up all the time around here too. I remember reading the code citation once. It might have come from the building code. Extension cords are only for temporary use, and temporary has a definition; no more than 90 days.
 
400.8.
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Offer your services to correct the problem. Ask for a letter from the church so you can deduct your bill from your taxes.
 
There are several manufacturers of list plug strips with 15 ft cords, the ones I like and our fire dept likes are SL Waber, no TVSS and a metal case.
The 15 ft cord is a great bonus.
 
Or just unplug the thing when you are done each Sunday. Temp and less then 90 days. Although it would not take much to add a receptacle or move the organ.
 
I thought the NEC stopped at the receptacle in this particular situation? Seems like you might as well outlaw power strips behind every homes entertainment center if that's the case.
 
I see article 640.3(E) Assembly Occupancies ,refering it to article 518, 518.4(A)ex(a) sends

it back to 640, 640.9 Wiring Methods > 640.9(A)(1) shall comply with Chapter 1-4.

IMO, no extention cords for this peice of equipment in this place of assembly.
 
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Cow said:
I thought the NEC stopped at the receptacle in this particular situation? Seems like you might as well outlaw power strips behind every homes entertainment center if that's the case.
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2008 UL White Book said:
Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured to
building structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they
intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring. The cords of relocatable
power taps are not intended to be routed through walls, windows, ceilings,
floors or similar openings.
Click to expand...
I would think that the use of one of these to protect the extension cord is a violation of it's listing.
 
SmithBuilt said:
The fire marshal has written a couple of violations for my church. Is an extension cord used to power an organ for a church a violation? Or for a desktop lamp?

The organ is hardly portable. Would you consider that a substitute for permanent wiring?

They will allow us to leave it if we install a surge protector with a built in breaker.
Click to expand...
Most places the FM have rules against using extension cords.

Its mostly a good thing.

Not necessarily a NEC issue though.
 
mdshunk said:
Yes, they write them up all the time around here too. I remember reading the code citation once. It might have come from the building code. Extension cords are only for temporary use, and temporary has a definition; no more than 90 days.
Click to expand...

I thought 590.3 (B) had it - but that 90 day restriction is for holiday lighting & such...

IMO Extension cords are considered temporary.
 
Is this job under construction I almost get the feeling that this is a finished building. If so how long has the co been in place? Is there any leg for this inspector to enforce these changes if this job has been issued a co? Was the co given with items to be added or changed?
 
billdozier said:
Is this job under construction I almost get the feeling that this is a finished building. If so how long has the co been in place? Is there any leg for this inspector to enforce these changes if this job has been issued a co? Was the co given with items to be added or changed?
Click to expand...

Did you even read through the whole thread ?
 
billdozier said:
Is this job under construction I almost get the feeling that this is a finished building. If so how long has the co been in place? Is there any leg for this inspector to enforce these changes if this job has been issued a co? Was the co given with items to be added or changed?
Click to expand...

acrwc10 said:
Did you even read through the whole thread ?
Click to expand...

My apology's to Billdozier, my responce was a bit rude and uncalled for, Sorry Bud.
 
In the 2007 CFC...CH6 section 605.5 covers their use and 605.5.1 covers the plugging in to a power tap. Someone in another state can get say what the IFC has to say...

edit to add: 605.5--->extension cords as permanent wiring. 605.5.1----->Extension cords plugged in to power strips.
 
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