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Monday, August 18, 2014
Question:
Hi Charlie: Enjoy the CQD as always.
I know this has been addressed before (probably multiple times), but I recently attended a Code update seminar presented by a well-known Code expert. One of his first items on the agenda concerned installing flexible cords from an appliance such as an overhead projector to a receptacle installed above a suspended ceiling. It is his contention that this is permissible since the appliance cord is not a “Flexible Cord” as defined in Article 400, but rather a “Power Supply Cord” as defined in UL 817. I disagree and the issue I have is, 400 people potentially got some bad information. Your thoughts and opinion? Brad C. Darnell
A
Answer:
Hey Brad thanks for participating. I have heard someone has that opinion which they are entitled to but I'm entitled to my own which still is that flexible cords are not permitted above ceilings. All the power supply cords I have seen are made of materials included in Table 400.4.
As previously stated specific language to permit limited use of flexible cord (that was poser supply cord for equipment) was proposed for the 2014 NEC but did not make it through the process. See CQDs published on Fri, May 2, 2014 and Thu, Apr 24, 2014 for more information.