Receptacles above suspended ceilings?

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olc

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I thought there was a NEC restriction on receptacles above accessible suspended ceings (but can't find it now).
An issue with either the receptacle of non-metallic cord.
Am I missing it? It went away? restriction never existed?
 
It is not a code violation to put a receptacle above a suspended ceiling. But it is a violation to plug something into such a receptacle, so why bother putting one there in the first place? Check out 400.8(2).
 
olc said:
I thought there was a NEC restriction on receptacles above accessible suspended ceings (but can't find it now).
An issue with either the receptacle of non-metallic cord.
Am I missing it? It went away? restriction never existed?
Click to expand...


The receptacle above the ceiling is compliant but 400.8(5) does not permit a flexible cord to be installed. they would be service outles



400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

  1. As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
  2. Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
  3. Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
  4. Where attached to building surfaces Exception to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.56(B)
  5. Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
  6. Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code
  7. Where subject to physical damage
 
Gregg Harris said:
The receptacle above the ceiling is compliant but 400.8(5) does not permit a flexible cord to be installed. they would be service outles



400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:
  1. As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
  2. Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
  3. Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
  4. Where attached to building surfaces Exception to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.56(B)
  5. Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
  6. Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code
  7. Where subject to physical damage
Click to expand...

What Gregg said.
 
Thanks.
A common issue is HVAC condensate pumps (which ussually come with cord and plug).
 
It looks like there may be a change for 2014. This is from the 2014 ROP draft.

400.7(A)
(9) Connection of accessory equipment associated with
mechanical equipment, alarms, or antennas using a
listed non-detachable power supply cord 1.83 m (6 ft)
or less above an accessible suspended or dropped ceiling
where not prohibited by 300.22. [ROP 6?103]
 
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