Motorized Shade cords

[Electromatic]

I will be installing about 15 motorized window shades with the motors operating at 120V. They are controlled via an 8x8 box with circuit board, line in, motor, and Cat5 control connections. The motors come with a factory-assembled cord with a pin-and-sleeve connector on the motor side and no connectorization on the other end. The shades will be in windows below a dropped ceiling. The control box should certainly be above the ceiling for aesthetics if nothing else.
I'm curious what opinions there are as to whether I could run these factory cords above the drop ceiling. There are a couple of "Uses Permitted" in 400.7 that, by a stretch, would apply.
I'll likely sleeve the cords through short pieces of EMT connected to the control box then stubbed out below the ceiling with a bushing, but wondered what others think.

I've enjoyed the forums for a long time. I think this is my first question. Thanks!

 

[infinity]

Doesn't sound like you can make this code compliant.

Welcome to the Forum.

400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permittedin 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the
following:
(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings,
suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar
openings
(4) Where attached to building surfaces
Exception to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted
to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the
provisions of 368.56(B)
(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located
above suspended or dropped ceilings
(6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise per-
mitted in this Code

 

[GoldDigger]

If the cable is considered to be a power cord which is part of a UL listed assembly that may not be a deal breaker. But the lack of a factory termination at the supply end makes that questionable.
Equipment power cords are almost by definition not field wiring or a substitute for permanent wiring.

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[Electromatic]

I don't see the "raceway" being a problem as it wouldn't be a complete system, and cables are permitted even in conduit given they meet fill and de-rating criteria.

I wonder if a window shade motor could be considered a...
400.7(A)(6) utilization equipment that needs facilitation of frequent interchange (How 'frequently' will the shade motor need changing?)
or
400.7(A)(8) "Appliances where...the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection." (The shade motor is obviously 'intended' for cord connection.)