Power strip - a multioutlet assembly?

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A power strip is actually called a relocatable power tap or something like that.

Art. 100 definition.

Multioutlet Assembly. A type of surface, flush, or freestanding
raceway designed to hold conductors and receptacles,
assembled in the field or at the factory.


Plugmold, power poles and such are examples of multioutlet assemblies.
 
cppoly said:
Is a power strip considered a multioutlet assembly? If yes, then it looks like NYC does not permit these.
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A power strip is known in the UL White Book as a Relocatable Power Tap, category XBYS. Go to UL.com to get a copy of the most recent to read up on the product description. Armed with that knowledge, go back to your NYC regulatory ordinance and see how it fits, if it does.
 
I can't find relocatable power strip in the definitions.

But reading multioutlet assembly definition, why wouldn't a power strip fall into that category?
 
cppoly said:
I can't find relocatable power strip in the definitions.

But reading multioutlet assembly definition, why wouldn't a power strip fall into that category?
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Because a multi-outlet assembly is fixed, not portable.
 
Well I would argue that fixed isn't in the definition. But, it looks like the definition of multioutlet assembly in the 2014 NEC has an informational note that says "power strips or plug strips are not multioutlet assemblies but are relocatable power taps." They should add relocated power taps to the definitions too just for clarify.
 
kwired said:
That basically is the difference, but the definition doesn't contain the words fixed or portable either. :blink:
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It contains the word "raceway", which suggests it's not moving around much. Even if you were using FMC it would only be swinging around in an arc or back and forth by however much looping you've done.
 
cppoly said:
Well I would argue that fixed isn't in the definition. But, it looks like the definition of multioutlet assembly in the 2014 NEC has an informational note that says "power strips or plug strips are not multioutlet assemblies but are relocatable power taps." They should add relocated power taps to the definitions too just for clarify.
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Informational note is fine IMO - as the NEC doesn't use the term relocatable power taps so why add a definition for some term if the document is not going to use the term?
 
cppoly said:
Is a power strip considered a multioutlet assembly? If yes, then it looks like NYC does not permit these.
Click to expand...

I am looking at the 2011 NYC code, where does it say this.

I only see this amendment:

Subsection 380.2(B)(7) – Add a new subsection 380.2(B)(7) to read as follows:
(7) Where cord and plug connected unless listed for the purpose.
 
jumper said:
I am looking at the 2011 NYC code, where does it say this.

I only see this amendment:

Subsection 380.2(B)(7) – Add a new subsection 380.2(B)(7) to read as follows:
(7) Where cord and plug connected unless listed for the purpose.
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Maybe I misinterpreted that section, but that was the section I was looking at. It fell under uses not permitted and I saw cord and plug connected. Since I was thinking a power strip was a multioutlet assembly, I assumed it wasn’t listed for that purpose and therefore not permitted. But it’s moot anyway since a power strip is not a multioutlet assembly anyway.

But another question, can a power strip be considered a nonmetallic extension in article 382? These aren't permitted in NYC.
 
cppoly said:
But another question, can a power strip be considered a nonmetallic extension in article 382? These aren't permitted in NYC.
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Really, start first with the UL White Book, and read carefuily XBYS.
 
Thanks I just did. While it doesn't answer my question if a power strip can be considered a nonmetallic extension from NEC article 382, it does answer a lot of questions I have.

Mainly,

"Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured tobuilding structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring. The cords of relocatable power taps are not intended to be routed through walls, windows, ceilings, floors or similar openings of buildings."
 
cppoly said:
Thanks I just did. While it doesn't answer my question if a power strip can be considered a nonmetallic extension from NEC article 382, it does answer a lot of questions I have.

Mainly,

"Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured tobuilding structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring. The cords of relocatable power taps are not intended to be routed through walls, windows, ceilings, floors or similar openings of buildings."
Click to expand...

Look at 382.2 and compare it to above(red). 382.2 refers to mounting, concealing, painting and whatnot.
 
cppoly said:
Thanks I just did. While it doesn't answer my question if a power strip can be considered a nonmetallic extension from NEC article 382, it does answer a lot of questions I have.

Mainly,

"Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured tobuilding structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring. ..."
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Define "permanently". I have power strips around my house held in place with zipties that haven't been moved in 15 years. :D
 
To me, if your strips were held by Velcro, I'd say it is not "permanently secured". One can't easily defeat zip ties without some kind of tool.

Tapatalk
 
al hildenbrand said:
To me, if your strips were held by Velcro, I'd say it is not "permanently secured". One can't easily defeat zip ties without some kind of tool.

Tapatalk
Click to expand...
This is also the reason that most strips have keyhole slots in the back for screw mounting to wall or counter. Those are not permanent either since you can easily remove it without needing tools. There is no requirement to remove the screws too. :)
 
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