Flexible Cord and Receptacle Sharing an Outlet Box

Abraham V

Member
Location
MN, USA
Occupation
Student
Situation: A surface-mount outlet box has a single receptacle on its face, so a single piece of equipment can be powered from the box. A hole is punched in one of the sides of the box and a flexible cord with a female end is run out of the box. Now, two pieces of equipment can be powered. Assume box has adequate space for conductors.

Someone said that this is a Code violation, but I don't understand why. Is it because this replaces the fixed wiring of the building (400.12(1))? However, I've seen this EC&M article that, although dated, partially depicts the situation I am thinking about (under the Installation heading) - it just doesn't have the box-mounted receptacle part. Thanks for any help and correction!
 

augie47

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Tennessee
Occupation
State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
I would view it as a violation of 400.12(1) unless there is a valid reason for not changing to a b ox with two receptacles or adding another box with
proper wiring methods.
 
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