Outlets above suspeded ceilings

[bill sullivan]

We are a healthcare facility in Wisconsin and are state surveyed each yr. We are hearing about having outlets above suspended ceilings. Here is our problem:
We have a resident wandering system that is installed throughout our facility. We have door units, as well as repeaters in the facility.The repeaters are above the suspended ceiling, as well as the wiring to the door units, and are plugged into 120 v outlets. These units have a plug that is plugged into an outlet then plugs into the system repeaters and door units. These repeaters, door units are run off 12v. We are hearing that this is not code any longer and we will need to cover the outlet and the low voltage plug with a metal box, that may be ventilated. What is the proper WI code and will we need to contain ALL of the wiring in this box? Is it possible to use a metal weather proof cover in place of the metal box as long as it covers the oulets and the plug? Can you refer me to NEC code articles or Life Safety Code 101 info.

Thank You
Bill

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Receptacles are allowed above the ceiling- rubber cords are not-- thus if the units you are plugging in are cord and plug then they are prohibited.

 

[raider1]

Is the suspended ceiling a plenum space?

I also agree with Dennis, 400.8(2) and (5) prohibit flexible cords from being installed above a suspended ceiling.

Chris

 

[jim dungar]

The issue is the cord, not the plug and receptacle.

What year were these devices installed?

Is your plug actually a low voltage power supply (like for your cell phone charger)?

The only change WI (Comm 16.37) has made to NEC 400.8, is that they allow cords to be attached and supported to surfaces.

 

[jaylectricity]

Receptacles are allowed above the ceiling- rubber cords are not-- thus if the units you are plugging in are cord and plug then they are prohibited.

So that would mean the only thing you could plug into a receptacle up there would be a unit that plugged in without a cord? Like a CO detector?

 

[chris kennedy]

So that would mean the only thing you could plug into a receptacle up there would be a unit that plugged in without a cord? Like a CO detector?

How about a work light or drill.

 

[jaylectricity]

How about a work light or drill.

Those have cords, don't they?

 

[jim dungar]

Those have cords, don't they?

They are allowed, if you take them with you when you leave the space above the ceiling.

 

[kbsparky]

In reality, there is no flexible cord on wall warts, since the utilization equipment is part of the attachment plug. Therefore, the terms of article 400 and limitations of section 400.8 do not apply.

The wire eminating from them is low-voltage, and considered class 2.

 

[EBFD6]

So that would mean the only thing you could plug into a receptacle up there would be a unit that plugged in without a cord? Like a CO detector?

you can't use cords, you CAN however plug in a low voltage transformer, which may actually be the OP's situation. Many of these systems have a 12volt class II transformer that plugs into the receptacle and then has 18-2 cable from the secondary terminals to the control unit/ RF receiver.