Metal outlet box on extension cord
- Thread starter muskiedog
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Metal outlet box on extension cord
I could not find an NEC article that prohibited a metal box at the end of a flexible cord. If it were UL listed in that configuration, I think it should be OK. But I doubt that anyone makes such a thing. If it is something that you (or someone else at the site) built, then I think the OSHA inspector would be right in "gigging" you.
I could not find an NEC article that prohibited a metal box at the end of a flexible cord. If it were UL listed in that configuration, I think it should be OK. But I doubt that anyone makes such a thing. If it is something that you (or someone else at the site) built, then I think the OSHA inspector would be right in "gigging" you.
Re: Metal outlet box on extension cord
Woodhead has made extension cords with box and a duplex receptacle. The box itself was plastic (I believe). Good stuff but with price tag to match.
I along with the everyone else have just used a regular box for this. The only problem I have encountered is the knockouts tend to get kicked in and they do tend to bend when you back tthe truck over them. I have seen the argument that these boxes are not UL listed for this application - I am not a big fan of UL (actually a skeptic) so I am not sure what to make of this.
I believe with proper cord grip and or strain relief you should be able to do this with a cast steel box also.
The real issue comes down to this -- what are you willing to pay to keep that inspector off your back.
Dan Bentler
Woodhead has made extension cords with box and a duplex receptacle. The box itself was plastic (I believe). Good stuff but with price tag to match.
I along with the everyone else have just used a regular box for this. The only problem I have encountered is the knockouts tend to get kicked in and they do tend to bend when you back tthe truck over them. I have seen the argument that these boxes are not UL listed for this application - I am not a big fan of UL (actually a skeptic) so I am not sure what to make of this.
I believe with proper cord grip and or strain relief you should be able to do this with a cast steel box also.
The real issue comes down to this -- what are you willing to pay to keep that inspector off your back.
Dan Bentler
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Metal outlet box on extension cord
As I understand OSHA the only acceptable box on a cord is an FS style cast box. It must have threaded hubs.
It seems they apply the pendant rules to extension cords.
As I understand OSHA the only acceptable box on a cord is an FS style cast box. It must have threaded hubs.
It seems they apply the pendant rules to extension cords.
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
Re: Metal outlet box on extension cord
A weatherproof (Bell) box also has threaded hubs and is lighter than an FS box.
In my old age I don't skimp as much as I used too, now I would use one of the Hubbell or Woodhead yellow boxes.
A weatherproof (Bell) box also has threaded hubs and is lighter than an FS box.
In my old age I don't skimp as much as I used too, now I would use one of the Hubbell or Woodhead yellow boxes.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Metal outlet box on extension cord
A bell box has a threaded hub but is not designed to be supported from it, a bell box has mounting ears to support it.
A malleable steel FS box has no mounting provisions, they are made to be supported by the hub.
I will try to find some reference for this or perhaps Don will drop in, I believe he knows the deal on this issue.
Jim it is my understanding they will not accept a bell box either.
A bell box has a threaded hub but is not designed to be supported from it, a bell box has mounting ears to support it.
A malleable steel FS box has no mounting provisions, they are made to be supported by the hub.
I will try to find some reference for this or perhaps Don will drop in, I believe he knows the deal on this issue.
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
Re: Metal outlet box on extension cord
Mounting ears on weatherproof boxes are optional, other wise they would be attached at the factory just like some FS boxes.
Mounting ears on weatherproof boxes are optional, other wise they would be attached at the factory just like some FS boxes.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Metal outlet box on extension cord
I think they leave them unattached because it is cheaper for them.
[ October 10, 2005, 07:03 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]
The included directions indicate otherwise and some are factory attached.
I think they leave them unattached because it is cheaper for them.
[ October 10, 2005, 07:03 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
Re: Metal outlet box on extension cord
If you mount them to a surface then the ears must be used. If they are supported by multiple conduits then the ears are optional. These should be similar to the mounting of FS boxes.
If you mount them to a surface then the ears must be used. If they are supported by multiple conduits then the ears are optional. These should be similar to the mounting of FS boxes.
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