Flexible Cords

[ASG]

400.7 Uses Permitted.
(A) Uses. Flexible cords and cables shall be used only for the following:

400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

So when does 400.8 apply?

 

[ron]

For example, 400.7(A)(6) lets you use a cord for utilization equip needing frequent interchange, but 400.8 says how you can't do it, such as through a hole in a wall. So you can use a cord for utilization equip needing frequent interchange, but it must not run through a hole in a wall, etc

 

[ASG]

For example, 400.7(A)(6) lets you use a cord for utilization equip needing frequent interchange, but 400.8 says how you can't do it, such as through a hole in a wall. So you can use a cord for utilization equip needing frequent interchange, but it must not run through a hole in a wall, etc

So why does it say "Unless specifically permitted in 400.7,"? When does 400.7 specifically permit a use that is not permitted in 400.8?

 

[kwired]

So why does it say "Unless specifically permitted in 400.7,"? When does 400.7 specifically permit a use that is not permitted in 400.8?

400.8 is the general uses not permitted, 400.7 may have specifically mentioned applications that otherwise encroach the general uses not permitted.

They could put exceptions in there instead, and maybe did so sometime in the past. I know there was a year (maybe 2002 or 2005?) when they tried to reduce the number of exceptions in the NEC and instead put wording in main content of the applicable sections - this could be a result of that.

 

[ASG]

This is a lot based on this post.

 

[kwired]

This is a lot based on this post.

You have an application that is in question?

 

[ASG]

You have an application that is in question?

We do many many commercial jobs that have AC units installed in hung ceilings. Either the condensate pump, the leak detector or both might come as a plug in device. The argument has been made that since it falls under the uses of 3 (appliances) or 8, that it is a specifically permitted in 400.7 and therefore 400.8 stating that cords are not allowed above hung ceilings does not apply.

 

[kwired]

We do many many commercial jobs that have AC units installed in hung ceilings. Either the condensate pump, the leak detector or both might come as a plug in device. The argument has been made that since it falls under the uses of 3 (appliances) or 8, that it is a specifically permitted in 400.7 and therefore 400.8 stating that cords are not allowed above hung ceilings does not apply.

Now you have an application where I can't determine which section trumps the other. I personally think that what you mentioned in the OP "Unless specifically permitted in 400.7", allows this application, but I don't expect all inspectors to agree with that either - so good luck is all I can say I guess.

I can't recall ever running into needing a condensate pump in such an application, but certainly doesn't mean it can't happen, usually there is a way to allow gravity drainage unless in a basement, and most basements around here seem to have low enough clearance that the unit will not be above ceiling.