Extension cords.....

[esox39]

Here's the situation. Bidding on a office furniture install. Customer wants 1 duplex for every 4 cubicles. They will run the power strips with surge suppressors to handle the 4 computers, lights, and whatever else is in the cubicles. Is there anything in the code against this practice? If so, what is the code number? Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Extension cords.....

What don't you like about it?
Article 400 covers the uses of portable cord.
Its a short and simple article, you might review it and then ask any other questions.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Extension cords.....

I think they are foolish but within code.2400 watts =600 per cube.It's enough but with paper shreder and what ever else they might kick a breaker.Breaker trips and 4 computers down, not kool in my book.Would suggest at least split the duplex for xx $ but if you want the job and they want to save $$$$$$$$$$ bid what they ask for.

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: Extension cords.....

Jim if you are saying to split the duplex recptacles into two circuits then a handle tie would be needed on the breakers,since they are of a commom yoke and being supplied by a multiwire branch circuit.

 

[inspector 102]

Re: Extension cords.....

Although this may be acceptable as an electrical installation, The IFC Section 605.5 prohibits the use of extension cords as a substitute for permanent wiring. The end user should be advised that a listed power tap may be used as long as it does not extend through walls, under floor covering or doors, etc. They might want to check with the local fire inspector as to the interpretation of running under office cubicle panels.

 

[gregory]

Re: Extension cords.....

605.8 Freestanding-Type Partitions, Cord-and-Plug-Connected.
Individual partitions of the freestanding type, or groups of individual partitions that are electrically connected, are mechanically contiguous, and do not exceed 9.0 m (30 ft) when assembled, shall be permitted to be connected to the building electrical system by a single flexible cord and plug, provided all of the conditions of 605.8(A) through (D) are met.
(A) Flexible Power-Supply Cord. The flexible power-supply cord shall be extra-hard usage type with 12 AWG or larger conductors with an insulated equipment grounding conductor and not exceeding 600 mm (2 ft) in length.
(B) Receptacle Supplying Power. The receptacle(s) supplying power shall be on a separate circuit serving only panels and no other loads and shall be located not more than 300 mm (12 in.) from the partition that is connected to it.
(C) Receptacle Outlets, Maximum. Individual partitions or groups of interconnected individual partitions shall not contain more than thirteen 15-ampere, 125-volt receptacle outlets.
(D) Multiwire Circuits, Not Permitted. Individual partitions or groups of interconnected individual partitions shall not contain multiwire circuits.

It would not be acceptacle to install the power strips to supply the cubicles. You must first wire them acording to NEC 605.8 and them plug the surge suppressor into the furniture receptacle

 

[tom baker]

Re: Extension cords.....

Oops, Art 605 does cover this application. Its one of those seldom read and used articles...

 

[iwire]

Re: Extension cords.....

Originally posted by gregory:
It would not be acceptacle to install the power strips to supply the cubicles. You must first wire them acording to NEC 605.8 and them plug the surge suppressor into the furniture receptacle

Gregory I do not read 605.8 that way at all.

IMO 605.8 allows using a cord an plug to connect up to 30' of cubicles in place of hardwiring them.

The plugs in office partitions are options so are outlets in any commercial space.

The NEC does not require any outlets in the cubicles or any certain number of outlets in the general office space.

I think inspector 102 is on track with the fire department, many of them in my area would not allow this use of plug strips.

I have no idea what code they cite but I have gone to many retail stores and installed permanent outlets in place of plug strips because the fire department forced the store to have it done.

 

[bennie]

Re: Extension cords.....

I personally like the plug strips. If there is any statistics that show they pose a danger, then they should be manufactured with such a quality they are not a danger.

Banning them is throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

UL approves the strips, NEMA is supposed to perform quality control testing.

Partitions are not part of the building, they are easily removed, portable, and not permanent. Therefore the wiring is not permanent.

 

[iwire]

Re: Extension cords.....

Originally posted by bennie:
I personally like the plug strips. If there is any statistics that show they pose a danger, then they should be manufactured with such a quality they are not a danger.

Bennie I am with you on that.

If the plug strip has an overload device in it why are they a problem?

 

[bennie]

Re: Extension cords.....

I bought a surge protector plug in strip from Radio Shack, yesterday. It is complete with sliding doors on the receptacles for childproofing. This device has a light for determining the protection is active and power is on. This device appears to be better quality and more sound than permanent premises wiring.

One good tight wall receptacle and I can plug in six pieces of low power equipment.

I don't think a Fire Marshall has the authority to ban these devices. I know many do think they have the right, but if it is ever court tested, I think the consumer will prevail.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Extension cords.....

Bennie you most likely bought a quality one.Some are as cheap as $2.98 ,wouldn't like to see 4 computers on one of them.I do believe a fire marshal would be upset with what they are trying to do.They should invest in at least 1 outlet per cube,then plug in 1 strip per cube.Personally we use bat backups at each of our computers.Been well worth it,being we live in FL lightning capital of the world.
If this office is in a town that has no fire inspections they might get away with this, but are risking there buisness over a few hundred bucks.

 

[tonyi]

Re: Extension cords.....

Reading the CPSC recalls on various power strips is scary. Some didn't have gnds hooked up, were wired internally with too small wire, caught fire, etc. There's a whole slew of them that have been recalled over the years for various safety reasons.

Undoubtedly some very good ones exist, but there's some startling junk too.

 

[hbiss]

Re: Extension cords.....

1 duplex= 2 power strips, correct? How do you supply 4 cubicles? You can't daisy chain power strips!

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Extension cords.....

2 duplex=4 power strips

 

[big jim]

Re: Extension cords.....

Ran into a similar issue with the local FD a while back. We were setting up music lights for a small orchestra. 20 or 25 15 w lamps. They would not allow a single extension cord but power strips were OK as long as they had overcurrent protection built in (ours all had 10A breakers in them). Daisy channing a couple of strips was even allowed. I believe their logic was the internal breaker effectively made overloading impossible.
I would be concerned about the total loading. If they have moderate computers with the new LED monitors and only a desk light, you may be OK. On the other hand, the computer my son uses for gaming has a 400 w (out) power supply and a big tube monitor that draws over 300 w. Add a 150 w. torchaire floor lamp in the corner and you could run up short in the ampacity department real quick. Another issue: if this is fed from a 120-208 3phase system you might have to upsize the neutrals to allow for harmonic currents.

 

[pierre]

Re: Extension cords.....

Article 605 came into the NEC because there were so many problems with the installation of these units. I agree with the post be Gregory, that there are very strict rules for the cord and plug (notice there is no plural sense for this wording) connection to the building electrical system.
Notice the wording says, SHALL BE PERMITTED. This is permitting the SINGLE CORD AND PLUG connection, providing A, B, C, and D are ALL followed.
There may be people who personnally disagree with some code rules, but they still need to be followed. If you are in strong disagreement, propose a change.

Pierre

 

[iwire]

Re: Extension cords.....

Pierre you can not apply 605 to plug strips.

ARTICLE 605 Office Furnishings (Consisting of Lighting Accessories and Wired Partitions)

605.8 tells us if there is wiring in the partitions we can wire the partition up to 30' with a cord and plug.

But if the customer gets the partitions with out the wiring installed in them (it is an option) or opts for them not to be connected at all the NEC can not force them to wire the partition.

There may be people who personnally disagree with some code rules, but they still need to be followed.

Exactly

 

[pierre]

Re: Extension cords.....

Bob
I am not talking about the actual wiring of the units themselves, but the connection to the building electrical system. IF you choose not to hard wire them (for connection to the building electrical system), they are PERMITTED to be connected with a SINGLE CORD AND PLUG as long as A, B, C and D are followed.
This goes for individual units or individual units that are connected together as long as they are not more than 30 feet long when connected together.

For connecting them together (electrically), refer to 600.4.

If the units are fastened to the building surface, they have to be connected via a Chapter 3 method which does not permit cord and plug connections.

The total number of receptacles for a single or group of interconnected units is thirteen, 15 ampere rated, 125 volt receptacle outlets.

(B) requires the receptacle(s)that supply power to the partitions, can serve only the partitions and can be located no more than 12 inches from the partition that it is connected to. The cord itself is restricted to a two foot length. I believe that these requirements are very restrictive as to cord and plug connection of these partitions.

Pierre

 

[iwire]

Re: Extension cords.....

Pierre can you explain how any of that prohibits not wiring the the partitions and simple putting out some plug strips from existing building outlets which is what the opening post is asking about?

I wire these partitions all the time and have always hardwired them with LFMC and I am not fond the idea of just putting out plug strips.

I do not see where the NEC has anything to do with that though.