Industrial Drops

[Dean83169]

I was wondering about busdrop and SO cord. I am working in an industrial manufacturing plant. We have to hang 50 - 208v 60 amp drops and 70 - 120v 20amp drops. In the past we have hung the drops with busdrop cable and in though khelm grips to a box in the drop ceiling. Does anyone know if you can use a twistlock in the ceiling and plug the drops in? I know that SO is allowable for pendant use but what about the twistlocks relying on the connections to hang the cable. I cannot find a manufactures spec or code that states I cannot do this. Also the clamp inside the twistlock is not like the kind that is in a pin and sleeve connection.

 

[mdshunk]

Don't do it! Even if you can find a way to make it "legal", it won't last that way. Plug the cord into a receptacle, and then support the cord next to the receptacle from a Kellems grip and drop from there. I also prefer to hang the Kellems grips from a drawbar spring instead of rigid attachment so the cord has a bit of "give" when it gets yanked on.

 

[Dean83169]

In the past we have used a one hole stainless plate with a khelm grip connector type so the install is clean without the spring. I am looking more for something from the manufacturers end saying they dont recommend it or that it isnt made to hang from the connections.

 

[mdshunk]

I am looking more for something from the manufacturers end saying they dont recommend it or that it isnt made to hang from the connections.

I'm not sure you'll find anything like that. After all, your typical resi garage door opener is plugged in much the same way, and that's only straight blade. If you go into most McDonald's restaurants, you'll see twist locks and pin & sleeve connectors plugged into the ceiling receptacles in the kitchen area. My comments were mostly experiential, from having worked in industrial buildings will ga-zillions of cord drops fashioned in all manners, and realizing over time what works and what doesn't.

 

[iwire]

then support the cord next to the receptacle from a Kellems grip and drop from there. I also prefer to hang the Kellems grips from a drawbar spring instead of rigid attachment so the cord has a bit of "give" when it gets yanked on.

That is a direct violation of 400.8(4) unless 368.56(B) applies and we know that it does not here.

I am not saying I agree with the NEC here but it says what it says.

 

[mdshunk]

That is a direct violation of 400.8(4) unless 368.56(B) applies and we know that it does not here.

I am not saying I agree with the NEC here but it says what it says.

I know, I know. Heaven forbid we try to prevent the cord from getting ripped out of the box. If this section were actually enforced, it would be impossible to ever install a Reelie, since they're bolted to the ceiling or wall.

 

[iwire]

I know, I know. Heaven forbid we try to prevent the cord from getting ripped out of the box.

I hear you. :smile:

If this section were actually enforced, it would be impossible to ever install a Reelie, since they're bolted to the ceiling or wall.

UL listed. :grin: