Mfg. instructions vs. NEC

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Microwatt

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I'm sure this would be mostly up to the AHJ but I would like this groups input. Customer needs some new radiology equipment installed in a clinic. The mfg. wants us to supply a flush mounted enclosure with a 30 amp breaker in it, in the wall. Out the bottom of the eclosure they want a pipe to a flushmount 6"x6"x4" box at 18 inches aff. Then they want us to provide a 1 1/2" chase nipple in the cover of the 6x6 box so they can run their SO cord from the HF generator through the nipple, up the pipe, and terminate on the load side of the breaker.

Would the NEC allow this?
 
I would think 400.8 would come into play

SO cords are recognized as temoprary wiring method and are not allowed to be consealed in walls, ceiling, and floors. there is an exception for raised floor like in computer rooms and alike.

If this is mfg instruction it is most likely a verbal rather than written instruction. You need to see if their equipment is listed for that kind of install, otherwise install what they tell you as long as they are pulling the cable into under floor raceway and box and let them to be liable for noncomplaince.
 
I'm sure this would be mostly up to the AHJ but I would like this groups input. Customer needs some new radiology equipment installed in a clinic. The mfg. wants us to supply a flush mounted enclosure with a 30 amp breaker in it, in the wall. Out the bottom of the eclosure they want a pipe to a flushmount 6"x6"x4" box at 18 inches aff. Then they want us to provide a 1 1/2" chase nipple in the cover of the 6x6 box so they can run their SO cord from the HF generator through the nipple, up the pipe, and terminate on the load side of the breaker.

Would the NEC allow this?

The NEC would/could care less how a piece of LISTED equipment is connected, from the equipment end. If the equipment is listed to be connected/powered by an SO cord, then the SO cord is required to be connected to the permanent wiring - NEC domain - by an NEC approved means. Cord grip, locking plug/receptacle combination just two that comes to mind. Electrical raceways, enclosures must be effectively closed, and the chase nipple would violate that.
 
I'm sure this would be mostly up to the AHJ but I would like this groups input. Customer needs some new radiology equipment installed in a clinic. The mfg. wants us to supply a flush mounted enclosure with a 30 amp breaker in it, in the wall. Out the bottom of the eclosure they want a pipe to a flushmount 6"x6"x4" box at 18 inches aff. Then they want us to provide a 1 1/2" chase nipple in the cover of the 6x6 box so they can run their SO cord from the HF generator through the nipple, up the pipe, and terminate on the load side of the breaker.

That's ridiculous.:roll:

I'd ask them if this is their first time or have they actually got someone to install it that way? Either way, I'd tell them you'll surface mount the 30 amp breaker enclosure and install a cord grip with strain relief out the bottom. Good grief, what a bunch of hacks.
 
I was thinking it would also violate 517.13 (A) as the SO would not provide a redundant ground. There are a few exising istallations in the same building where the SO cord is used and they wanted us to just do it like that. Another thing is there was no knock-out on the HF generator for an SO cord connector or one for a seal-tight connector. The cord that came on it was just zip-tied to a bracket. We mounted a handy box to the frame of it and terminated the connector to that. The worst part is this is a very well known mfg. I'll bet most of us have lamps in our homes made by the same company.
 
If I had a dollar for every time I had to call a manufacturer on installation instructions and listed equipment that are not NEC compliant I would be able to buy myself something nice. The NEC requires that listed equipment be installed according to the instructions included with the listing and that they be installed according to the NEC. There is no preference given to one over the other that I know of. Many of my interactions with manufacturers are with technical people who have never read the NEC and have no idea that the instructions are causing a problem. I'm thinking that might be because so few people actually read the installation instructions.
 
If I had a dollar for every time I had to call a manufacturer on installation instructions and listed equipment that are not NEC compliant I would be able to buy myself something nice. The NEC requires that listed equipment be installed according to the instructions included with the listing and that they be installed according to the NEC. There is no preference given to one over the other that I know of. Many of my interactions with manufacturers are with technical people who have never read the NEC and have no idea that the instructions are causing a problem. I'm thinking that might be because so few people actually read the installation instructions.

There is no exclusivity but rather inclusivity; they BOTH need to be followed.

As far as the NEC concerned, their interest in a listed equipment is rather limited; the clearance about serviceable electrical components, the equipments general suitability for the area, such as wet/damp or XP listing, and the method of connection. UL listing and testing standards do NOT hold or incorporate NEC as a 'standard'.
 
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