Field assembled multi outlet assemblies

[tjeff008]

What are the limitations on field assembled multi-outlet assemblies at workstations within commercial office buildings? They consist of #12 AWG flexible cord, 20 amp rated male cord cap, strain relief fittings, metallic box and cover, and two 20 amp rated duplex receptacles. All components are UL listed and assembled by a licensed electrician. The assembly will be plugged into an existing 20 amp receptacle at the workstation. The purpose of the multi-outlet assembly is to supply power to multiple electronics, e.g. computer, monitor, cell phone charger, etc., without having to install new permanent wiring inside walls.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I am not sure that is compliant. Art. 400.7 may give you permission --- here is 400.8

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 to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted
to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the
provisions of 368.56(B)
(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
(7) Where subject to physical damage

 

[mgookin]

What are the limitations on field assembled multi-outlet assemblies at workstations within commercial office buildings? They consist of #12 AWG flexible cord, 20 amp rated male cord cap, strain relief fittings, metallic box and cover, and two 20 amp rated duplex receptacles. All components are UL listed and assembled by a licensed electrician. The assembly will be plugged into an existing 20 amp receptacle at the workstation. The purpose of the multi-outlet assembly is to supply power to multiple electronics, e.g. computer, monitor, cell phone charger, etc., without having to install new permanent wiring inside walls.

Is this a single location project or are you intending to create a process or product to do this nationwide?

Effectively what you're doing is making your own relocatable power taps (I think that's what they call a power strip). Sounds like you want them a bit more permanent.

If it's a one location issue, talking to your fire marshal who will do annual inspections may be best. I can tell you what he'd say here, and that is those things are allowed only if they have integrated OCPD and only if they can be removed without the use of tools.

I don't know how long you intend on going with your cords, but there are power strips on the market with long cords. We have some that are 12' long and have OCPD. I don't know how long is the longest on the market.

Edit: Welcome to the forums!

 

[jtinge]

Is your field assembled multi-outlet assembly listed as an RPT or a furniture power distribution unit? Unlike RPTs, the furniture power distribution units are designed for permanent mounting. See UL White Book description below:

FURNITURE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS (IYNC)
USE AND INSTALLATION
This category covers cord-and-plug-connected furniture power distribution
units rated 250 V ac or less, 20 A ac or less, intended for indoor use
when secured to a furnishing. Furniture power distribution units are
intended for fixed mounting to furnishings as a power-supply connection
for cord-and-plug-connected electrical utilization equipment.
A furniture power distribution unit is provided with an electrical enclosure
with an attached power-supply cord and plug. The furniture power
distribution unit is provided with a mounting means for attachment to a
furnishing. The furniture power distribution unit may be provided with
up to six lengths of flexible cord not exceeding six feet in length; each
length is terminated with a maximum of three receptacle outlets within an
electrical enclosure or three cord connectors (receptacle outlets).
Furniture power distribution units may be provided with suitable fuses
or other supplementary overcurrent protection, switches and indicator
lights singularly or in any combination. These units may also employ
surge suppression components (TVSS), electromagnetic interference (EMI)
filter components and/or uninterruptible power-supply components.
The furniture power distribution unit may be provided with USB (Universal
Serial Bus) charging outlets and LED lighting when three or more
receptacle outlets are provided.
These furniture power distribution units are intended to be directly connected
to a permanently installed branch-circuit receptacle outlet. Furniture
power distribution units are not intended to be series connected
(daisy chained) to other furniture power distribution units, extension
cords, or similar devices. The cords of these products are not intended to
be routed through walls, windows, ceilings, floors or similar openings of
buildings.

 

[tjeff008]

I'm employed at an Army R&D compound that's composed of multiple buildings in a campus style setup. The day to day work environment is a little out of the ordinary, and demands my support for various labs, testing areas, and technical demonstrations. Along with that, personnel needs and arraignments change often. So it has been a practice to construct these customized RPTs or multi outlet assemblies to fit the need of the customer.Whether that be just a simple 20A duplex with a RS cover and a 6' SOOW tail or a 75' cord with a California standard cord end for testing equipment, and anything in between. I'm just getting some push back from my "Safety Division", that doesn't have any knowledge of electrical theory or the industry. They find articles in the NEC that the majority of the time don't apply to that matter at hand. I was just having issues finding concrete evidence/code articles to support the use of these RPTs within workstations (e.g. desks, cubicles, conference rooms, etc.) I don't think I have a leg to stand on except using factory made RPTs with OCPD that was mentioned before. My response time was just much faster when I could make RPTs in the field for the specific need. Thanks for all the responses.