Flexible Cord Use

[electricman2]

I read this on another forum. A puck light is attached to the underside of a kitchen cabinet the cord is run through drilled holes in the bottom and top of cabinet and routed up the back corner. Shelves are notched to clear the cord. Then a cord cap is put on the cord and then plugged into a receptacle. Something tells me you can't do this although I can't find it prohibited in 400.8 nor is it listed as permitted in 400.7 Any comments?

 

[websparky]

Re: Flexible Cord Use

If you can honestly say that none of this catches your attention for the application you have in mind and the cord will not be damaged over time,

(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

400.14 Protection from Damage.
Flexible cords and cables shall be protected by bushings or fittings where passing through holes in covers, outlet boxes, or similar enclosures.

 

[electricman2]

Re: Flexible Cord Use

400.14 may apply here. I guess when I read it, the "Surely there must be a better way" mentality kicked in. I just believe that installed in this manner somewhere down the line this cord could be damaged.

 

[pierre]

Re: Flexible Cord Use

I am a little confused. If the cord is plugged into the receptacle, is the receptacle 120v? If so, then the cord is not permitted to be attached to the building surface and needs to be protected from damage. Also does the listing and installation instructions that are provided with the pucks permit this type of installation?
If this is a lighting system operating at 30 volts or less, it is required to be listed, and all installation instructions as well as Art 411 need to be followed.

Pierre

 

[luke warmwater]

Re: Flexible Cord Use

I don't really see the problem.
I guess it depends on your interpretation of 'physical damage'.
The edge of a plate, for example, but a round plate probably won't get to the corner.
If it's a concern, use the Sagull 'Ambiance' system, they have an accessory cover for it.

 

[luke warmwater]

Re: Flexible Cord Use

As for the cord cap, I've seen some of these puck lights that come in a set and they have cord caps to install on the end of the wire to plug into a receptacle.
These have been UL listed light kits.
And what if there was no cord cap? people would be stripping the wires and inserting them into the receptacle. Not good.

 

[electricman2]

Re: Flexible Cord Use

Pierre
Yes, they are 120 volt. The post says they come equipped with cord and plug. I guess they removed the plug to run the cord and re-installed it.

This thread is on the ECN forum under General Discussion called "puck lights"

 

[gregory]

Re: Flexible Cord Use

It is my understanding that these lights are intended for portable use, such as desk lighting in a home. The desk would have to be free standing and moveable. The key is to look for the listing type on the equipment and then check the UL white book for use. Then follow the manufactures installation instructions. I had a similar experience with a menu board that was cord & plug connected, It was screwed to the wall. when I researched it, I found out that it had to be easily removable without tools. the sign manufacturer sent the contractor some nylon clips that attached to the wall and the sign simply sat on them making it legal. it was hardly worth the effort.

In my opinion these lights do not meet the requirement because they are permanently installed and you are replacing the permanently wiring of the house. If you can accept the idea that you can use them, I suppose you would approve lamp cord going to receptacles around the baseboard and simply plugged in for the receptacles in a room. I can't imagine why any electrician would install these puc lights.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Flexible Cord Use

Let me present a similar question, and ask for opinions. Consider a lighted make-up mirror. It has mounting screws (not the kind that sits on a shelf), and it is plug and cord connected. As soon as it is screwed into the sheet-rock wall, it will require tools to take it down again. Does that make it a permanent installation, and does that mean that it cannot be plugged into the wall? After all, the manufacturer provided the mounting screws and the plug, and the item is UL listed.