Retractable Cord Reels for Equipment in Place

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gmreynol

gmreynol

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Just wondering if anyone knows if its a NEC, OSHA, etc. violation to install retractable cord reels to feed equipment set in place.

Example a ceiling mounted cord reel feeding a refrigerated case on the end of an aisle at a store.

Thanks for the help.
 
Two things:

1) 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) You may get a problem with ampacity since heat will build up on the section that stays coiled up.
 
jumper said:
Two things:

1) 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) You may get a problem with ampacity since heat will build up on the section that stays coiled up.
Click to expand...

I would be suspicious of this kind of install for reason #1. Having said that, some of the grocery stores around here have end coolers that they do move around now and then. Since they have wheels on them I think that would strongly suggest they are portable appliances making them subject to 400.10 (A)(3).

400.10 Uses Permitted.
(A) Uses. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall be used only
for the following:
(3) Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobile
signs, or appliances.
Click to expand...
I have seen some cord reels that say you have to unreel all the cord to use it, and some that state you don't so I think #2 would be dependant on the cord reel selected.

I have never actually seen any of the stores connect an end unit up from a cord reel though. I think it would look unattractive and allow/encourage passers by to screw around with the connection.
 
Thanks for the replies. Slightly different but still flexible I see cord drops with grips all the time, is this now frowned upon? Seems like a permanent type of installation. Thanks again for the replies!
 
I was at the grocery store last night. There was a coupon dispensing machine near the checkout lines. It had a sign on the back of it that said something to the effect of "Don't Unplug this For Any reason". Of course there was an extension cord powering it up that ran about 3 or 4 feet from the wall outlet to where the cord from the dispenser plugged in. i was sorely tempted to reach down and unplug it, but I was able to restrain myself.
 
petersonra said:
I was at the grocery store last night. There was a coupon dispensing machine near the checkout lines. It had a sign on the back of it that said something to the effect of "Don't Unplug this For Any reason". Of course there was an extension cord powering it up that ran about 3 or 4 feet from the wall outlet to where the cord from the dispenser plugged in. i was sorely tempted to reach down and unplug it, but I was able to restrain myself.
Click to expand...

And why would you want to do that?

JAP>
 
petersonra said:
I was at the grocery store last night. There was a coupon dispensing machine near the checkout lines. It had a sign on the back of it that said something to the effect of "Don't Unplug this For Any reason". Of course there was an extension cord powering it up that ran about 3 or 4 feet from the wall outlet to where the cord from the dispenser plugged in. i was sorely tempted to reach down and unplug it, but I was able to restrain myself.
Click to expand...
Which means, of course, that it is perfectly alright to unplug it for no reason at all!
 
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