Several Issues w/ Remote Control Window Opener Install

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etech

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Ashland, WI, USA
My current project is a remodel, and the carpenters are getting ready to install some windows with remote operators in them. There appears to be some serious issues here, and I'd appreciate some input. The units are 120V AC with a labeled load of 55W.

Issue 1 - The window motors, (which are completely hidden in the casing/sill), are wired with a European Spec cord(?), (H05VV-F). http://www.muellergroup.net/har-cord/400 H05VV-F.pdf

They expect this 3 wire, which is about 3' long, to be brought down through the wall beneath the window to a 2-gang box that the remote receiver is supposed to be installed in.

My first thought was, "No way." NEC 400.8(2) & (3) are both being violated, and to top it off, the hole they drilled through the sill to bring the cord out violates NEC 400.14. The first unit I looked at has some insulation scarfed off because the hole drilled from the factory went partially through the flashing.

Issue 2 - The instructions suggest that the remote receiver be installed into a 2-gang box within reach of the lead from the motor. Before seeing the other problems, I intended to use a 25 cu. in. old work box to house the receiver, then I found out how big they actually are. Roughly 11.5 cu. in. on its own, with no means to attach it to the box. They just want you to wire them up, shove them in, and put a blank cover over it. I'm trying to figure out how NEC 314.16(B)(4) would apply to this situation since there's no yoke. The fit is tight on the sides, which isn't going to allow a nice bend radius for the conductors either.

My questions for you guys, (and girls), are these.

Could/would you rewire the motors with something like a 18/3 CMR/CL2 or CL3 to make it legal in the wall, and, how would you calc volume for utilization equipment like this?

Thanks in advance for you answers/suggestions.
 
Looks like a real dilemma. The cut-sheet on the cord shows it to be European with only a C-E rating, not a recognized NRTL. Highly likely the unit will also not be NRTL and thus very well may not be acceptable by your AHJ.
My first step would be to call in the inspector who will quite possibly not accept the assembly.
 
augie47 said:
Looks like a real dilemma. The cut-sheet on the cord shows it to be European with only a C-E rating, not a recognized NRTL. Highly likely the unit will also not be NRTL and thus very well may not be acceptable by your AHJ.
My first step would be to call in the inspector who will quite possibly not accept the assembly.
Click to expand...

Upon pulling out one of the motors, (with the cord attached), I see there is a 'c ETL us' seal on the label, and it is also showing conformity to ANSI/UL325-2003.

If this is a "listed assembly", I believe it's only certified to have that particular cord terminate to that particular motor. The UL listing can't supersede the NEC for the rest of the install, correct?

Even if that were the case, after wading through umpteen pages of UL 325 I found UL echoing NEC 400.14...

"12.2.2.1 At a point where a flexible cord passes through an opening in a wall, barrier, or enclosing case,
there shall be a bushing or the equivalent that shall be substantial, reliably secured in place, and shall
have a smooth, rounded surface against which the cord may bear. If Type SPT-2 or other cord lighter than
Type SV is employed, the wall or barrier is of metal, and the construction is such that the cord may be
subjected to strain or motion, an insulating bushing shall be provided. Ceramic materials and some
molded compositions are generally acceptable for insulating bushing, but separate bushings of wood or of
hot molded shellac-and-tar compositions are not acceptable."

So there's still issues regarding the window manufacturers installation practices.
 
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