we use a portable power cable or dual rated cable to power temporary to a portable truck used for communication. 120/240v from a disconnect. we use Hubbell single pole connectors. for connection to equipment. i was asked today if this was allowed to be run on the ground and as power cable for equipment. It made me think because i didnt really have an answer. we have always have used and i have even seen at special evetns and carnivals were it just lays on the ground. it never became an issue or no one ever asked. This has peaked my curiosity Does any know if this is accepable or NEC approved wiring method.
portable power cords
- Thread starter mannyb
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Electrical Engineer
I suppose it depends on your definition of "portable power cable or dual rated cable". If by that you mean something like SOW or SJOW, then yes, as long as it falls under the permitted use in 400.7, it can be on the ground for temporary installations (the W means water resistant or weather proof, so would be necessary if outdoors). If there is a lot of traffic, I would suggest using the high abrasion versions, they are more expensive but a lot tougher. The code however makes no further distinctions, at least as far as I know.
The one caveat however is in 400.8, NOT permitted uses: "where subject to physical damage". Some people can interpret that if cars can drive over it, that is 'subject to physical damage'. On the other hand, cord mfrs sell stuff specifically DESIGNED as being able to handle that (look up "Polar/Solar" cord for example).
The one caveat however is in 400.8, NOT permitted uses: "where subject to physical damage". Some people can interpret that if cars can drive over it, that is 'subject to physical damage'. On the other hand, cord mfrs sell stuff specifically DESIGNED as being able to handle that (look up "Polar/Solar" cord for example).
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
You will get a big range of what is considered subject to physical damage.
As far as at fairs, carnivals, etc. another issue that could come up that is not necessarily a NEC issue is tripping hazards.
As far as at fairs, carnivals, etc. another issue that could come up that is not necessarily a NEC issue is tripping hazards.
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Electrical Engineer
Oh yeah, that too, and not just at outdoor venues. I recently witnessed a safety audit where we all thought it was about the machine safety control systems and guarding, but the only thing they wrote up was about the power cords on the floor for the removable portions of the machinery being a tripping hazard. We had to go with festooning.
zbang
Senior Member
- Location
- Roughly 5346 miles from Earls Court
If you're leaving the cables in any kind of traffic area, just get some YellowJacket-type cable ramps. If you have truck traffic, you may need to spike them down to prevent shifting back and forth.
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