Extension cord

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A garage door opener operates for 30 seconds. I see no problem using a 16 ga SJ cord. Even the lamps are LED's, so that, and a direct drive motor has no startup current. I'd even do 18ga lamp cord across the ceiling.
 
Will it work? Yes. Is it code compliant? Of course not. As "hbiss' stated, it cannot be stapled. Once secured in place, it would be interpreted as a permanent wiring method. Flexible cable doesn't fall in that category.
 
ValeoBill said:
Will it work? Yes. Is it code compliant? Of course not. As "hbiss' stated, it cannot be stapled. Once secured in place, it would be interpreted as a permanent wiring method. Flexible cable doesn't fall in that category.
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What if he hung the extension cord from cup hooks screwed into the ceiling? It would then not be secured.
 
domnic said:
Can i run a extension cord stapled to celling of my garage for a garage door opener ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
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No. Was always told that an extension cord can never be used in place of a permanent wiring method. Besides over time rubber on cords deteriate and crack. I would install EMT conduit or metal wire mold. Do not like using plastic wire mold near work benches or garages where it could get damaged. Had a customer call me to run a new receptacle 3' from existing receptacle due to fire Marshall writing them up for using a 3' extension cord to feed a wall clock. The extension cord that I removed was over 20 years old and same type that is on a residential table lamp. ( does anyone still call it zip code ? ) It was dry rotted cracked and even while only providing a few watts to clock a fire Hazzard.
 
garbo said:
Had a customer call me to run a new receptacle 3' from existing receptacle due to fire Marshall writing them up for using a 3' extension cord to feed a wall clock.
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That fire marshal had better not come into my house. :D
 
Personally, I use a good, quality, fencing staple. They have the strength to hold up really heavy gauge cordage and with the barbs, are assured to hold for the lifetime of the structure....but only if you drive them into the joists. LMAO

Screenshot 2022-02-17 071428.jpg
 
domnic said:
What code article prohibits this 2011 nec.
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Presuming little changes in art 400 since 2011, try looking at 400.12(1) and 400.12(4) or wherever uses not permitted would happen to be covered if it has changed since then.

The ones I mentioned say not permitted (1) as substitute for fixed wiring of a structure and (4) where attached to building surfaces in 2020 NEC, but I don't think there has been any significant changes to those sections since at least 1999 or maybe 2002.
 
the blur said:
A garage door opener operates for 30 seconds. I see no problem using a 16 ga SJ cord. Even the lamps are LED's, so that, and a direct drive motor has no startup current. I'd even do 18ga lamp cord across the ceiling.
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And that makes it suitable for temporary wiring uses. Attaching the cord to the building surfaces and/or use of it as fixed wiring is not compliant with 400.12.
 
400.1 Scope. This article covers general requirements, applications,
and construction specifications for flexible cords and
flexible cables.
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Isn't NM a "cable"? Isn't it "flexible"? So why can Nm be used in this application, but not a hard service cord that is 100% tougher than NM ever will be.
 
petersonra said:
Isn't NM a "cable"? Isn't it "flexible"? So why can Nm be used in this application, but not a hard service cord that is 100% tougher than NM ever will be.
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NM though has some flexibility to it isn't intentionally designed to be used where it is flexed while in use.

Outer sheath of NM is thermoplastic and lasts longer than most flexible cords that often are rubber or synthetic rubber based.
 
petersonra said:
That's sort of a good question. Many people here claim that anything plugged into an outlet like an extension cord, is utilization equipment and thus not part of the electrical installation, so not subject to the code.
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Someplace the NEC prohibits attaching a line cord to any surface. Somebody mentioned power strips, that's your answer.

-Hal
 
hbiss said:
Someplace the NEC prohibits attaching a line cord to any surface. Somebody mentioned power strips, that's your answer.

-Hal
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And remember that attaching the power strip to the wall using screws and the keyhole slots in the strip keeps it from becoming part of the permanent wiring.

Anybody still installing recessed clock receptacles these days?
 
I was in a house a good number of years ago that the previous HO used zip cord. Everywhere.. I insulation would crack as you touched it. I've seen SJ cord do the same. I would expect the low cost import cord will do the same because if the goal is to save $$ on this install, I suspect we won't be spending a lot of money on this 18 AWG extension cord.
 
ptonsparky said:
I was in a house a good number of years ago that the previous HO used zip cord. Everywhere.. I insulation would crack as you touched it. I've seen SJ cord do the same. I would expect the low cost import cord will do the same because if the goal is to save $$ on this install, I suspect we won't be spending a lot of money on this 18 AWG extension cord.
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I've seen that with zip cord as well. I blame the brittleness more on the fact that it probably was overloaded at times than the fact it was zip cord.
This is an 18 ga conductor supplying general use receptacles on 15, 20 amp circuit, or even in old places maybe someone put in a 30 amp fuse.

But if you keep load to within it's rating it still maybe doesn't last as long as other approved methods for use as permanent wiring.
 
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