Power and Data Grommets

[bphgravity]

Anyone seen one of these yet?

More info here : Power and Data Grommets

Does anyone see a problem with these being installed in kitchen counter surfaces as advertised?

Heres the kitchen version:

[ January 25, 2006, 12:24 PM: Message edited by: bphgravity ]

 

[charlie b]

Re: Power and Data Grommets

Speaking only of the kitchen version, I have two code-related comments and two that are not code-related:

1. It has to be GFCI, but that could be done at the breaker.

2. It would not satisfy 210.52(C)(1), as it is not along the wall line. Would an AHJ accept it as a reasonable substitute? I can't say.

3. It looks ugly, and it interferes with the use of the countertop surface.

4. It does not appear to be sturdy. It looks to me like the effort needed to push a plug into the uppermost outlet might cause it to bend backwards and break.

Aside from that, I can't imagine why anyone would think this is a good idea.

 

[Mike03a3]

Re: Power and Data Grommets

You're the inspector. Where would you approve it in a kitchen? It's basically a cord-connected power strip, so it can't be a required counter receptacle.

The design of the top one might solve the kitchen island problem that keeps popping up (no pun intended) if it could be permanently wired as a 15 or 20 amp receptacle instead of being cord-connected. But then, because it moves, you kick off the whole 100+ message discussion about how to wire it. Sort of like the receptacle in the drawer.

 

[Jhr]

Re: Power and Data Grommets

I think these look cool and out of sight. The only problem I see and one that keeps popping up is the wiring that will be left inside the cabniets and when these are pushed into place would this be code compliant .

[ January 25, 2006, 01:34 PM: Message edited by: Jhr ]

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Power and Data Grommets

The company has listings under two catagories with UL, "Relocatable Power Taps" and "Office Furnishings - Component". If this product is listed as "Relocatable Power Tap", then the use shown is a listing violation.
From the UL listing for Relocatable Power Taps:

Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured to building structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring.

I can find no information at to what the actual listing of this product is. The use of the product as shown is a violation of 400.8.
Don

 

[cwsolo]

Re: Power and Data Grommets

They look very cool, nothing like making ugly electrical devices blend in with the surroundings. I too question the design on plugging devices into the top recep, but know that it is definitely possible to make them sturdy enough to not break. I think it's new innovations like this that will promote code adaptations and changes, as opposed to the rigidity of not allowing new designs and products to be used because of codes written before there invention.

 

[pierre]

Re: Power and Data Grommets

I agree this would violate the listing of UL and 400.8(1).

But it is a good start towards developing a unit that could be hardwired and made to comply with the necessary codes to make it work. Maybe a "ray of light" at the end of a tunnel we all seem to have been looking into.

 

[hunt4679]

Re: Power and Data Grommets

As for the desk units
They say that they are UL listed.If you ask me they are no differant than powerstrips mounted to a desk except they look much cleaner.
Take a look at the back of any other UL listed powerstrip there screw mounting holes????

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Power and Data Grommets

They say that they are UL listed.If you ask me they are no differant than powerstrips mounted to a desk except they look much cleaner.
Take a look at the back of any other UL listed powerstrip there screw mounting holes????

Both statements are true, but that does not change the fact that the UL listing says they cannot be attached to a surface..
Don