Receptacle above ceiling

[Nate Scott]

Can you install a receptacle outlet above a grid ceiling and plug in some equipment that has a plenum rated cable into the outlet.I thought the equipment had to be hard wired because the equipment could be removed and then you would have a outlet that would remain there and could be utilized by something else plugged into it that might be a safety hazard.

 

[iwire]

You can install the receptacle.

You will not be able to plug a cord into it. 400.8(5)

 

[Gregg Harris]

You can install the receptacle.

You will not be able to plug a cord into it. 400.8(5)

Doesn't this refer to concealed!

 

[iwire]

Doesn't this refer to concealed!

Yes it does, but it also applies above suspended ceilings

 

[Gregg Harris]

Yes it does, but it also applies above suspended ceilings

Are you saying that a suspended ceiling is concealed and not accessable?

 

[roger]

Greg, that is correct.

Roger

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Are you saying that a suspended ceiling is concealed and not accessable?

The suspended ceiling is accessible but the cord is concealed. Art. 400.8(5) specifically says where concealed by walls, floors or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings.

 

[boater bill]

What if the receptacle was for a dedicated service? i.e. an AHU condensate pump? The AHU is suspended above a drop ceiling and the recep is on a dedicated breaker.

I've seen 'em, speced 'em and you guys now have me questioning 'em.:-?

 

[Gregg Harris]

Thank you!

 

[raider1]

What if the receptacle was for a dedicated service? i.e. an AHU condensate pump? The AHU is suspended above a drop ceiling and the recep is on a dedicated breaker.

I've seen 'em, speced 'em and you guys now have me questioning 'em.:-?

If the condensate pump has a cord of the type listed in Article 400, then it is not permissible to install it above a suspended ceiling.

Chris

 

[boater bill]

Thanks Raider.

 

[infinity]

What if the receptacle was for a dedicated service? i.e. an AHU condensate pump? The AHU is suspended above a drop ceiling and the recep is on a dedicated breaker.

I've seen 'em, speced 'em and you guys now have me questioning 'em.:-?

This has got to be one of the most violated code articles in commercial installations. The building owners don't want to call an electrician to change a hardwired condensate pump. They want to unplug the old one and plug in the new one.

 

[mattsilkwood]

security monitors are the most common around here.ive done them many times by putting a receptacle in the ceiling tile itself.

 

[1793]

I know it exists, but I can't find it now, but where is the exception for allowing this in a dwelling?

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

There are no exceptions to the requirement.



Bob stated that the receptacle cannot be plugged into.This is not exactly true. The receptacle mounted within the drop ceiling can be used for maintenance equipment such as a drop light or drill, etc... What one should not do is leave say a condensate pump cord plugged in and close the ceiling tile leaving the cord plugged in.
For condensate pumps located within the drop ceiling, those units will be required to be hard wired. I have also seen other items with cords passing through or within the suspended (drop)ceiling, such as motorized screens, and plasma screens.

 

[iwire]

There are no exceptions to the requirement.

Agreed

The receptacle mounted within the drop ceiling can be used for maintenance equipment such as a drop light or drill, etc...

So where is the exception for that? :grin:

I guess you would have to apply 590 for that but that would require a GFCI.

 

[1793]

There are no exceptions to the requirement....

I've been working too much. I was thinking of NM above drop/suspended ceiling in a dwelling.

Ok, everyone can talk about me now. :grin:

I need a vacation.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I've been working too much. I was thinking of NM above drop/suspended ceiling in a dwelling.

Ok, everyone can talk about me now. :grin:
I need a vacation.

Norb
We do that already...over on the other site. :grin:

 

[1793]

Norb
We do that already...over on the other site. :grin:

I knew I had opened that door. I was not sure how long it would take for someone to go there.

Thanks for living up to my expectations.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I knew I had opened that door. I was not sure how long it would take for someone to go there.

Thanks for living up to my expectations.

Anytime, really you know how people love to gossip.:grin: