I want to say that there is a code article in the NEC that restricts you from installing a 120v outlet above a Tbar ceiling. I also want to say that there is a code article in the NEC that restricts you from passing so cord from above a tbar ceiling to below a tbar ceiling. Example would be from a screen controller above a tbar ceiling to the screen below a tbar ceiling. Could anyone point me out to these articles and if possible share with me the intent behind them. I don't disagree with the articles I just would like to know the reason. Thank you.
SO cord and outlets above a grid ceiling and SO cord passing through a grid ceiling.
- Thread starter JdoubleU
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
There is nothing in the NEC that restricts a receptacle above a suspended ceiling. You cannot leave anything plugged in that has a rubber cord but the recep. is compliant
I think the reason is that the rubber cord may dry out and short.
I think the reason is that the rubber cord may dry out and short.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
See sections 400.7 and 400.8
Portable cord can deteriorate over time - I have seen the insulation dry up and crack. Anyway the intent is that the cord is visible for the length of the cord. Mike Holt makes a distinction between portable cords, extension cords and power supply cords saying that power supply cords can be used in a suspended ceiling (different listings). He is correct but the inspectors don't know that.
One of the most common violations is a projector or TV mounted on the ceiling, plugged into a receptacle above the ceiling. There are simple code compliant ways to do this.
Portable cord can deteriorate over time - I have seen the insulation dry up and crack. Anyway the intent is that the cord is visible for the length of the cord. Mike Holt makes a distinction between portable cords, extension cords and power supply cords saying that power supply cords can be used in a suspended ceiling (different listings). He is correct but the inspectors don't know that.
One of the most common violations is a projector or TV mounted on the ceiling, plugged into a receptacle above the ceiling. There are simple code compliant ways to do this.
It has been my experience that there are inspectors who know Mr. Holt's position on this matter but don't agree with it. It has been brought up at a couple of our State inspectors meetings and even the moderators can't seem to agree.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
While Mike makes that distinction, and he is correct that they are different listings, the problem is the same with the products under either listing. The both use the same type of cords and they both dry up and crack.
But in actuality, who's to say how long "Over Time" actually is?
I don't know of anything electrical that doesn't deteriorate over time.
Including windings in transformers that are allowed above layin ceilings that we don't keep a close eye on everyday either.
Oh the oddity of it all.
JAP>
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
All this is fine but I see nothing that would disallow a cord in an attic. I have seen this on very old whole House Fans where cord was used from the factory. It was cracked everywhere and feel apart in my hand. So why is there no rule on this
- Location
- Massachusetts
I think our rubber cord is crap. If we used some more modern types of cables we could likely use more of it.
I feel the same way. We had tons of rubber cord laying around for a yearly event for years and went to use it but the insulation on the individual conductors inside the outside jacket crumbled apart and rendered it useless.
I'm kind of glad they have restrictions on cords above ceilings though,,,, I'm afraid if there wasnt , people would tend to use it way outside of it's boundaries.
JAP>
- Status