Where the NEC ends

[tortuga]

Sounds like custom fab work. I'd get the power supplies field evaluated as Class 2 (or whatever), its not cheap, but then you have a re-usable system.

 

[SceneryDriver]

Do new buildings need tenant equipment installed where C of O is desired?

Apparently, the building was behind, and the studio's scenery got installed before the C of O was issued. Inspector saw the cord-and-plug lighting on the scenery, and is now pitching a fit.

I'm not saying that the entire thing shouldn't (probably) be listed as a UL sign or something similar. I'm saying that the electrical inspector doesn't have jurisdiction to control what a tenant / owner plugs into a receptacle, and hold up on issuing a C of O for same.

I know it's in the NEC somewhere. I've just forgotten where.



SceneryDriver

 

[kwired]

(not sure how much this helps, but....)
Art 406.15? Maybe not.

Art 520 (THEATERS, MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION STUDIOS, & SIMILAR LOCATIONS)? Yes.
More specifically part IV (portable switchboards on stage; applies to dimmers).
And possibly 520.63, but that might be a stretch.

Art 530 (MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION STUDIOS AND SIMILAR LOCATIONS)
530.12 Portable Wiring



Why those are separate articles? Who knows.

Isn't 520 a place where an audience goes to watch and 530 a place where the filming occurs? Then you may have some of each if filming in front of a live audience?

 

[tortuga]

I'm saying that the electrical inspector doesn't have jurisdiction to control what a tenant / owner plugs into a receptacle, and hold up on issuing a C of O for same.

I know it's in the NEC somewhere. I've just forgotten where.

If its a workplace the AHJ just changes at the receptacle and becomes OSHA if this set in in California, Cal OSHA has been known to be pretty strict with the NEC after the receptacle on jobsites, sets, manufacturing lots of workplaces.
EDIT I suppose for a homeowner it becomes their home insurance adjuster LOL

 

[zbang]

Isn't 520 a place where an audience goes to watch and 530 a place where the filming occurs? Then you may have some of each if filming in front of a live audience?

Pretty much, and that's how I see it. Might even see 518 (Assembly Occupancies), too.

520.1 Scope. This article covers all buildings or that part of a building or structure, indoor or outdoor, designed or used for presentation, dramatic, musical, motion picture projection, or similar purposes and to specific audience seating areas within motion picture or television studios.

530.1 Scope. The requirements of this article shall apply to television studios and motion picture studios using either film or electronic cameras, except as provided in 520.1,[...]


BTW, I've never found an explicit cord-n-plug exception, but the definition of Premises Wiring (System)-

Premises Wiring (System). Interior and exterior wiring, including power, lighting, control, and signal circuit wiring together with all their associated hardware, fittings, and wiring devices, both permanently and temporarily installed. This includes (a) wiring from the service point or power source to the outlets or (b) wiring from and including the power source to the outlets where there is no service point.

Article 300 says

(B) Integral Parts of Equipment. The provisions of this article are not intended to apply to the conductors that form an integral part of equipment, such as motors, controllers, motor control centers, or factory-assembled control equipment or listed utilization equipment.

although listed might get you there.

 

[tortuga]

Good points Zbang, when inspectors get on my case about cord they cite NEC 400.12(1)
"Cord can't be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure", since a film set is by nature temporary I dont think any of those restrictions apply.

 

[ramsy]

Apparently, the building was behind, and the studio's scenery got installed before the C of O was issued. Inspector saw the cord-and-plug lighting on the scenery, and is now pitching a fit.

I'm not saying that the entire thing shouldn't (probably) be listed as a UL sign or something similar. I'm saying that the electrical inspector doesn't have jurisdiction to control what a tenant / owner plugs into a receptacle, and hold up on issuing a C of O for same.

IBEW40.org manages contractors specialized in working with studios in Hollywood California.

If temporary wiring for dimmers is not required to be listed, they might be able to explain how they're getting it past their AHJ. I suspect it has something to do with permitting or City/business licensing.