Extension cords

[phoneman]

As a limited energy electrical contractor I see a growing trend on new home theater installers running 15 and 25 ft. UL listed electrical extension cords down inside walls to provide power to LCD and Plasma wall mounted TV sets. I also see unused lengths of these extension cords coiled up in ceiling resting on insulation and ceiling tiles. Is this legal ? Any reference in the NEC about this type of installation ?

 

[iwire]

400.8 Uses Not Permitted.

Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

(1)As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

(2)Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

(3)Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings

(4)Where attached to building surfaces

Exception: Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.8.

(5)Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings

(6)Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code

 

[infinity]

I would add to this the illegal use of HDMI, composite, component, S-video, monster speaker cables, etc. cables that aren't rated for use within the hollow space of walls and ceilings.