Motel end tables

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boatfull

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In a motel, they have put new end tables next to the beds. They installed a UL receptacle strip on the cabinet. The receptacle is manufactured by www.furnlite.com model fc-739. The pigtail is 14-3 and the branch circuit supplying the rooms are 20 amps. The way I see it they are extending the branch circuit to the end table. I told the GC they have to put a 12-3 pigtail on the approved strip. Any thoughts?
 
I don't see it as any different than plugging in any other listed device in with 14-2(or 3). There are a ton of things made/listed with #14 conductors that plug into 20A circuits. IMO, you would be violating the listing by changing the pigtail to #12. It's just a convenience outlet and probably won't even see close to 15A much less 20A.
 
IMO unless the strip requires that it only be used on a 15 amp circuit it's not an issue.
 
When you said pigtail I went looking for a couple of #14 conductors thinking that it gets mounted to an electrical box. That's a LINE CORD and no, being #14 with a 15A plug does not extend the 20A circuit any more than plugging a lamp in. It's just another power strip.

-Hal
 
Seems to me that the receptacle the strip plugs in to is a glorified JB for the strip- i/e 12g attached to 14g. Does 240.5 point to needing a 12 ga pigtail? I dont think I'd want a 14g power strip snaking along the floor (say) in my house protected by a 20 a ckt.
 
automate0042 said:
Seems to me that the receptacle the strip plugs in to is a glorified JB for the strip- i/e 12g attached to 14g. Does 240.5 point to needing a 12 ga pigtail? I dont think I'd want a 14g power strip snaking along the floor (say) in my house protected by a 20 a ckt.
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That is very arbitrary. Christmas tree light strings are often 20 gauge wire fed by an extension cord with 18 gauge wire strung across the floor.
 
automate0042 said:
Seems to me that the receptacle the strip plugs in to is a glorified JB for the strip- i/e 12g attached to 14g. Does 240.5 point to needing a 12 ga pigtail? I dont think I'd want a 14g power strip snaking along the floor (say) in my house protected by a 20 a ckt.
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Better unplug your fridge. I seriously doubt the cordset has a 12/2 cable. 1500 watt hairdryers don't have 14 AWG cords. All normal and safe if listed.
 
It looks to me like the code is making a distinction between flexible cord and fixture wire/lamp cord wire. The strip feeds utilization equipment whereas christmas lights are utilization equipment.
 
automate0042 said:
It looks to me like the code is making a distinction between flexible cord and fixture wire/lamp cord wire. The strip feeds utilization equipment whereas christmas lights are utilization equipment.
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And this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00178HJ6C/ref=psdc_495312_t1_B0775W1GRX is a 16 gauge extension cord 12 feet long that is commonly used to feed that utilization equipment. Perhaps you missed that part of my description.

don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
 
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