Extension cords.

[darekelec]

Are extension cords defined in nec?
I know they are prohibited above ceiling tiles but are they allowed on surface?

 

[chris kennedy]

It's a flexible cord that falls under 400, so no good as fixed wiring, 400.8(1).

 

[fmtjfw]

Are extension cords defined in nec?
I know they are prohibited above ceiling tiles but are they allowed on surface?

See UL White book (available for free download from http://www.ul.com) classification ELBZ Cord Sets & Power-Supply Cords. UL is indirectly referenced in 90.7 while carefully not using UL or NRTL.

 

[kwired]

It's a flexible cord that falls under 400, so no good as fixed wiring, 400.8(1).

could possibly be used as art 590 temporary wiring though.

 

[mgookin]

Are extension cords defined in nec?
I know they are prohibited above ceiling tiles but are they allowed on surface?

It depends on what you're doing with them and what jurisdiction the application is subject to.

Extension cords are pretty much always allowed as temporary wiring for holiday decorations and the like.

They're pretty much never allowed as a substitute for permanent wiring.

And if your project is subject to NFPA 1 (fire prevention code enforced on annual inspections) that cord will likely be cited on first annual inspection unless it's for holiday decorations.

If you can provide a little more information on what you need to do with an extension cord, we can provide a better response.

 

[darekelec]

If you can provide a little more information on what you need to do with an extension cord, we can provide a better response.

Just theoretical question. mostly I was curious if a receptacle is too far f. e.g. from fridge in comm kitchen could the owner use lawfully extension cord, even 6'. But I guess not before final inspection.

 

[zbang]

Just theoretical question. mostly I was curious if a receptacle is too far f. e.g. from fridge in comm kitchen could the owner use lawfully extension cord, even 6'. But I guess not before final inspection.

Well, not during any inspection. And really, that's not a "lawful" use anyway. Sure it'll work, ot's probably "safe", and some inspectors will miss it, but that's a classic case of the prohibited "substitute for fixed wiring".

 

[tom baker]

Just theoretical question. mostly I was curious if a receptacle is too far f. e.g. from fridge in comm kitchen could the owner use lawfully extension cord, even 6'. But I guess not before final inspection.

Use a plug strip - they are ul listed and have OCP. Most fire departments allow them

 

[iwire]

Well, not during any inspection. And really, that's not a "lawful" use anyway. Sure it'll work, ot's probably "safe", and some inspectors will miss it, but that's a classic case of the prohibited "substitute for fixed wiring".

I agree 100%.

 

[RICK NAPIER]

Use a surge arrester this is not an extension cord but rather a protective device.

 

[petersonra]

Are extension cords defined in nec?
I know they are prohibited above ceiling tiles but are they allowed on surface?

extension cords are fine when used as extension cords.

they can't be used as a substitute for normal wiring methods above ceiling tiles or anywhere else for that matter.