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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
I've placed this thread in the 'discussion' forum, because I expect we'll drift a bit from code issues. Let's try to be nice .... and try to keep the politics to a minimum smile

On May 5th, I went to the jobsite ... for me, a simple air conditioner hook-up. Some guys were remodeling an office, and I had to chuckle when I saw their "power center:"

[Linked Image]


Here's a closer view of the creative effort:

[Linked Image]

Yup ... you see a 2-gang plastic "Romex" box. A standard molded-plug 'pigtail' supplies power to ordinary duplex receptacles, and a standard plastic coverplate.

I have a few problems with this design.
First of all, a pretty hefty 'triple tap' adapter for a standard cord costs about 1/4 what this contraption costs.

There is no "strain relief" for that cord. That is, yank on the cord, and the force is transmitted to the connections. The little tab in the box does NOT provide reliable strain relief.

We can pretty much assume that dirt, etc., will freely enter the box through those tabs. The plastic boxes are also, especially in winter, pretty easily broken. For that matter, so is that cover plate.

Finally, the GFI has managed to prove itself worthwhile - and affordable.

It's safe to assume that the guy who made this was lacking in education - both electrically, and in other areas as well. Indeed, soon after I took the pics, everyone left "for lunch" ... at 9 AM! It seems someone saw the picture being taken, and fears were expressed regarding a possible raid by 'the authorities.' OOPS laugh

Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 812
Member
Are you sure thats a cord pigtail to that box? Looks too flat to be a cord, more like UF cable.

Ian A.


Is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
At least the box appears to be 'secured'. Looks like UF to me also, perhaps with a cord cap (male) on the end?

Add to the list...no blade guard on the table saw.


John
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
No, it's a standard 6 ft. pigtail with molded plug. These things are usually light gray in color, and have flat cords.

[Linked Image]

Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,498
T
Member
Reminds me of the typical homebrew power strip in Austria - screw a few flush mount receptacles to a piece of wood (better versions at least take surface mount ones) and provide "strain relief" by driving 1 or 2 staples...

Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 812
Member
Ah OK, thanks for clarifying John. Maybe they went home to grab a few more fearing you'd cut that one up. laugh

Ian A.


Is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 482
Z
Member
Who says carpenters can't do electrical work? After all, it's just a couple of wires. You know, "black to black, white to white... The green one is just extra, we won't be using that..."

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 751
E
Member
I was at a seminar in Miami with Joe Tedesco years ago, when he decided to take some pictures of violations at the gasoline/convenience store nearby at lunch. The seminar resumed, only to be loudly interupted by the owner of the store. He insisted Joe hand over the evidence of whatever it was Joe took pictures of. You should-a seen Joe's face!


Earl
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
Joe liked to call himself the "nail" when he was doing the IAEI road show. Did he nail the guy?


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 853
L
Member
Originally Posted by Texas_Ranger
Reminds me of the typical homebrew power strip in Austria - screw a few flush mount receptacles to a piece of wood (better versions at least take surface mount ones) and provide "strain relief" by driving 1 or 2 staples...


AHH, So it is Universal. I thought that to be a Regional thing.

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