Violation of Intended Purpose?

[bphgravity]

Can a receptacle outlet be used as a distribution point and receiving point for a cord-and-plug switch?

For example, can I put a 120-volt supply conductor on one side of the receptacle, a load conductor on the other side and plug in a float switch to the receptacle.

I know there is a pump assembly that utilizes this type of setup external from the receptacle, but would this be a violation of the intended purpose of a recptacle?

I do not have an actual intention to do this, or can I provide a logical reason this may be a desired setup, its more out of curiosity.

 

[gregoryelectricinc]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

I would have to say NO Brian, but this should generate some good discussion. Out of curiousity, what time of the wee hours of morning did you think of this??? The only code reference I found that would prohibit this is 406-6b.

406.6 Attachment Plugs.
All attachment plugs and cord connectors shall be listed for the purpose and marked with the manufacturer’s name or identification and voltage and ampere ratings.
(A) Attachment plugs and cord connectors shall be constructed so that there are no exposed current-carrying parts except the prongs, blades, or pins. The cover for wire terminations shall be a part that is essential for the operation of an attachment plug or connector (dead-front construction).
(B) Attachment plugs shall be installed so that their prongs, blades, or pins are not energized unless inserted into an energized receptacle. No receptacle shall be installed so as to require an energized attachment plug as its source of supply. .

 

[bennie]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

I have two sump bilge pumps, UL listed, exactly as described. The float switch turns on and off, after being plugged into the receptacle.

There are no problems with this setup.

 

[gregoryelectricinc]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

Benne, I'm guesiing that your pumps are switched through the attachment plugs and not the actual receptacle. I maintain that it would be a code violation to wire a recptacle in that manner. Let me know if I'm off base though.

 

[bennie]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

Sorry, I mis-read the original topic. Switching one half the duplex using an external switch connected to the other receptacle is not what I was thinking.

I don't see any problem or non-compliance issue. It may not be the normal, but I can't see any hazard. Actually seems like a good idea.

 

[caj1962]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

don't we switch one side of a recpticle from a wall switch in bedrooms all the time? I agree with Bennie although not the norm I don't see this as a code violation. I would have some concern about an automatic (float switch) device without some kind of warning label on the outlet described.

 

[iwire]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

What happens when someone plugs in a load instead of the switch?

This could be bad for one of the two loads.

A coworker did something similar with a midget twist lock cord cap and outlet.

A church wanted the seats in the "confessors" side of the confessionals along with the knee pads to have switches to turn on a signal lamp.

My coworker rigged up a low voltage control circuit through the switch in the chair but he needed to hook it up with the cord and plug to make it removable for floor cleaning.

By using an odd outlet no one could plug something else into the receptacle.

[ July 16, 2003, 06:26 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[gregoryelectricinc]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

404.15 Marking.
(A) Ratings. Switches shall be marked with the current voltage and, if horsepower rated, the maximum rating for which they are designed.
(B) Off Indication. Where in the off position, a switching device with a marked OFF position shall completely disconnect all ungrounded conductors to the load it controls

Where would I find the horsepower rating and off indicator if this receptacle was used as a switch?

(edited to reduce size of display)

[ July 16, 2003, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: don_resqcapt19 ]

 

[iwire]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

430.109(F) Cord-and-Plug-Connected Motors.

For a cord-and-plug-connected motor, a horsepower-rated attachment plug and receptacle having ratings no less than the motor ratings shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means for other than a Design E motor and for a Design E motor rated 2 hp or less. For a Design E motor rated more than 2 hp, an attachment plug and receptacle used as the disconnecting means shall have a horsepower rating not less than 1.4 times the motor rating. A horsepower-rated attachment plug and receptacle shall not be required for a cord-and-plug-connected appliance in accordance with 422.32, a room air conditioner in accordance with 440.63, or a portable motor rated 1/3 hp or less.

HP rated receptacles are available, and the fact that is removed is the indication required.

 

[iwire]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

gregoryelectricinc


Could you try doing a little editing so the post fits on a screen?

I think the problem is in the quoted section.

Bob

[ July 16, 2003, 08:13 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[mikeames]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

I would agree with Iwire and Gregoryelectricinc.

For one 406.6 and second any "normal load" would be run in series with the Pump. Not good. Maybe its is a loop hole in the book but i dont think it makes for good practice. :roll:

 

[bennie]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

Actually there is no need in wiring a receptacle like this. The plug in switch cord is a stock item at most electrical suppliers. Graingers may have this also.

 

[noxx]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

Pretty sure you cannot have an energized male terminal, off to look it up.

 

[iwire]

Re: Violation of Intended Purpose?

Noxx the way the article is written I do not think it would be a violation.

The male parts will not be energized untill they are plugged in.

406.6 Attachment Plugs.

(B) Attachment plugs shall be installed so that their prongs, blades, or pins are not energized unless inserted into an energized receptacle. No receptacle shall be installed so as to require an energized attachment plug as its source of supply.

Bob