Temp power for events

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ccha9219

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This time of year in Daytona Beach I get a lot of calls to wire temp stages, shops and outdoor bars
for bike week and spring break. I've always wired them as if they were built permanently. I had a rather loud discussion today with a new electrician we hired...
He wired the bar with romex
was I wrong to question him?
His argument was that it was temporary
I dont see where that makes a difference
 
Re: Temp power for events

Part of 527.4(C)
For the purposes of this section, Type NM and Type NMC cables shall be permitted to be used in any dwelling, building, or structure without any height limitation.
Click to expand...
 
Re: Temp power for events

In the 2002 code temp wiring is 527

In 99 code you can find the same wording in 305-4(b) and (c)
 
Re: Temp power for events

so technicaly he was correct.
I'm still not comortable using nmc in that type of setting
150,000 drunk bikers in town, anything can happen
better safe than sorry
Next time I wont be such a hard a** about it
thanks
 
Re: Temp power for events

When we wire for temp installations we have hard use SJO cords already made up with GFCI protection ether in the form of breakers or receptacles or even the in-line cord versions. Also there are cord ends that have a sleeve like a boot that makes cord connections rain tight. We use them in any outdoor event. I use to live right there in Sanford, Fl from "79" to "83" We keep a bunch of cords for these events made up. and then all that has to be done is the installations. Good money in doing these too.
 
Re: Temp power for events

Wayne I was not suggesting to run NM across the ground where subject to being walked on.

The OP talked about wiring a bar, I assume temporary one for that NM IMO would be fine.

Your cords sound great but there is no GFCI requirement for them unless a construction site.

Nice idea and it certainly is a good CYA type item. :)

[ February 28, 2004, 06:45 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]
 
Re: Temp power for events

Wayne, that's a great idea
I apologize for not being clear... Outdoor setting running 100-150' across the ground to the stage, bar sound booth... any one thats been to bike week?
All anyone cares about is the all mighty $$$
safety no one cares about.
I'm a little skidish about putting lives at risk,
people dont care as long as the switch works.Don't be fairly safe!!
 
Re: Temp power for events

I should add that when we use a box at the end of a cord it is a cast iron type box with a kelms grip strain relief for the cord also I use a hose clamp on the kelm's grip to make double sure they cant pull that cord out of that box (read about this happening once that killed a little boy). we started using in-use covers. but we screw them on the outside of the box cover to keep the box intact if they break (as they do) In most cases we try to find something to anchor the box to that they cant move as they will trip over there own shadow after a few. It's all about people (drunk) proofing and liability. Around here we have quit a festivals we do.
 
Re: Temp power for events

It may be an violation to use a FS box with a cord grip for a portable receptacle, I know it is for a 4S type, as the 4S is designed to be attached to a structure and not used loose.

For our annual Blackberry Festival, for portable power we use "Spiders" or temporary construction power distribution centers. We have ten of the them and a whole pallet of cords. You'll need the GFCI protected type.

We have had vendors come in with unbelievable power demands, for example 2 big electic deep fat fryers. We make them list the VA or Watts on the application, so we can put the vendor near the power. And then they show up with the longest, smallest extension cord available. We check all the cords and connections before we connect them, and we have to get a permit and inspection for our spiders, it falls under "amusement rides" for permitting.
 
Re: Temp power for events

Tom,
What you call a spider....
is it a load center on a small portable temp. (plywood and 2x4s ) about 4' tall, with cords and bell boxes, or do you run individual ckts depending on the demand for that vendor?
There are poles around property for drops in different locations, that we use to mount temps to..
your idea is a little more custumer freindly
 
Re: Temp power for events

I think Tom means one of these type boxes.

TPB50M01.JPG
 
Re: Temp power for events

Yes thats the type. We use ones made by Hubbel.
We started with a 200 amp service on a plywood backboard that was installed and removed every year, I said there has to be a better way, so we started with spiders, fed from 50A 120/240 receptacles (4 wire).
 
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