Type SOOW cord installed permanently outside

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newservice

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Is type SOOW flexible cord allowed in permanent installations OUTSIDE a residence, that is to say, exposed to the weather? I have a 96 code book, and article 100 spells out clearly the differences between dry, damp, and wet locations. It states that an outside location ie. exposed to weather, is a wet location. The problem is, the managers of a green home project I am working on have installed a massive 1 hp , controller driven, 15 foot high double wide folding door in front of the house. Dont ask why, thats a whole nother post. It is on its own massive wood frame and secured with concrete posts. It is also completely exposed to the elements of NYS. The installer told me off the record that the unit, a Chamberlain ProLift, is designed for industrial use inside, such as airport hangar doors. Altho UL approved, I do not believe it is approved for this application. Moreover, the power supply cable and the controller cable are both clearly marked as type SOOW cord and all of the flexible cord and especially the SOO cord listed in the 96 code is DAMP locations approved. (partially protected under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches..)It also terminated with just a 4x4 metal box, which the installer changed out to a weatherproof lol. The bell of the motor is straight up and the controller box is connected to it.

I hate to go ahead and rain (or snow and ice) on the parade and tell these folks or the AHJ my suspicions, but, at the same time I am not about to connect this if its not listed for this application. I can only imagine they spent a small fortune in gov't assisted funds for this thing, and its installation. Comments, please?
 
True also but I think I'm asking is there any way the SOO cord could be legal outdoors. Unless IM missing something seems it is not. However, I have seen it used on the ground at fairs, etc. but thats only temporary. Point taken about the attaching to structure.
 
Violations?

Violations?

There is always some violation. SOOW is rated for wet location. It is clearly a violation of 400.8(1) and maybe 400.8(7) as well. That said, 400.7 says where it CAN be used. Chamberlain just told me they don't make a prolift rated for a wet location, only for a damp location.
 
krisinjersey said:
There is always some violation. SOOW is rated for wet location. It is clearly a violation of 400.8(1) and maybe 400.8(7) as well. That said, 400.7 says where it CAN be used. Chamberlain just told me they don't make a prolift rated for a wet location, only for a damp location.
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Im referring to table 400-4, which shows SOO is rated for DAMP location, not wet, as is type W according to my 1996 code book. Does later NEC show SOOW rated in table 400-4 as for wet use, No other type S or SO cords are.
Agree with you on the 400.8 violations. Thanks for the input regarding what Chamberlain told you, I was unable to find a number for tech service on thier website without submitting info and waiting for them to call. Do you have thier number by chance? Thanks alot!
 
SOOW is listed for use in both damp and wet locations.

The W indicates its suitability for use in a wet location.

SOO is only good for use in a damp location not a wet location.

Chris
 
raider1 said:
SOOW is listed for use in both damp and wet locations.

The W indicates its suitability for use in a wet location.

SOO is only good for use in a damp location not a wet location.

Chris
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Are you sure? My 96 code 400-4 does not show or explain how a W is such a designation , and it clearly lists type W as being hard usage portable power cable. Is your book different or what am I missing? Does your 400-4 actually list SOOW? CItations? thanks.
 
newservice said:
Are you sure? My 96 code 400-4 does not show or explain how a W is such a designation , and it clearly lists type W as being hard usage portable power cable. Is your book different or what am I missing? Does your 400-4 actually list SOOW? CItations? thanks.
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I am using the 2008 NEC, not the 96 code.

Are you still working under the 96 code?

SOOW is not listed in the 96 code.

Chris
 
newservice said:
Are you sure? My 96 code 400-4 does not show or explain how a W is such a designation , and it clearly lists type W as being hard usage portable power cable. Is your book different or what am I missing? Does your 400-4 actually list SOOW? CItations? thanks.
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Raider is correct.
look at note 15 to the table 400.4 it clearly states cords with the suffix "W" are suitable for use in wet locations.
I am looking at the 2008 edition
 
qcroanoke said:
Raider is correct.
look at note 15 to the table 400.4 it clearly states cords with the suffix "W" are suitable for use in wet locations.
I am looking at the 2008 edition
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Ok my bad. Time for a new code book. (my book stops at Note 12.) So the cord itself is rated for wet usage, still the violations of 400.8 apply to this installation. It is attached to the structure, using emt half straps it appears. I wonder if the free standing structure, independant of the house, is still considered a structure. Think of a billboard, it's the same sort of situation. Also waiting to hear back from the guy who says that Chamberlain does not make a unit listed for wet usage. Thanks .
 
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