Mounting Outlet Boxes on Shelving

[charlie b]

Is that legal? Can I take a shelving unit that is constructed with iron bars bolted together and permanently mounted to the floor, and run conduit along the edge of the shelf and install outlet boxes along the way? I am dealing with a client that stores components on this type shelf. Each component has a battery that needs to be charged between operations in which the components are used. A shelving unit might have three vertical shelves, perhaps 12 feet long, with perhaps 6 components on each shelf. An existing facility uses outlet strips on the back wall to plug their components into. I want something more elegant.

 

[roger]

I have done similar in a number of industrial and retail store type settings.

Roger

 

[Eddie702]

If the shelving is fastened in place and it would seem it's part of the building structure I wouldn't think it would be a problem

 

[hillbilly1]

I don't really see it any different from racking, though I do believe it would need to be secure, and not easily moved to damage the wiring.

 

[Coppersmith]

Go into any Walmart and you will see EMT drops from the ceiling onto free-standing shelving units (which can be relocated) to power fans, heaters, TV's and other electronics on display. Just a long row of four square boxes with receps. Of course, that doesn't mean any electrical inspector approved it.

 

[LarryFine]

Commonly done. I suggest terminating the building wiring at a J-box on the ceiling, wall, or floor, terminating the shelf wiring at a similar box, and using a whip between them for easier relocation or dismantling in the future.

 

[hillbilly1]

Go into any Walmart and you will see EMT drops from the ceiling onto free-standing shelving units (which can be relocated) to power fans, heaters, TV's and other electronics on display. Just a long row of four square boxes with receps. Of course, that doesn't mean any electrical inspector approved it.

Been there, done that. Had to come up with a way to solidly mount to the pegboard. Previous contractors were using screws which don't hold very well in soft pegboard. Bolting all the way through to the other side not an option WalMart would accept.