ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Face up Wiremold

I know you cannot install counter top receptacles face up, but what about 4000 wire mold. I have an architect that wants me to place wire mold on the ground face up. I do not think this is ok, but I do not have any code article to back it up. Any help will be welcomed.

Sparks:
Can't seem to put a NEC Reference to exactly what you asked

You said "on the ground" ??

To bad 'common sense' isn't in the NEC!

I'll delve into this over the weekend for a NEC ref, if there is one.

John

Looking at the UL white book, I see no info either way. Looking at the wiremold installation instructions I see no direction either, although the illustrations show base pieces being mounted both horizontally and vertically (but not the receptacles - they are always horizontal in the pictures)
I would venture my opinion that mounting wiremold 4000 receptacles face-up on the ground should be permitted in some instances, but may not be such a good idea in all locations. The NEC requires all installations to be "acceptable to the AHJ" and to be "suitable for the conditions of use".(110.2 & .3)
It would be my recommendation, then, that prior to installation, you contact your AHJ for their acceptance of the plan.

Is this a residential app? Receptacles within 12" of a wall that are taking the place of flush receptacles, perhaps because the wall is glass may be face up and are not required to be covered. This would depend of course on the manufacturers specs, but the code would allow it.

I would check the listing for wiremold. I have doubts about it having a listing for floor receptacle use.

Without getting too deep into the code- Everything I read pertaining to surface metal raceways and the like , uses not permitted: where subject to severe physical damage.
I would think mounting 4000 wiremold on the floor , face up would be subject to severe physical damage. Such damage coming from mops and water , vacuum cleaners, furniture, and peoples feet. Someone WILL stand on it!

Thanks for the replys. This will be going into a computer room for elementry school kids under the desk. Monday I will be talking to the AHJ. I do not want to mount it this way. I was looking for some hard copy stuff to show the GC just for proof. Thanks again.Sam

I agree with lucky.

386.12 Uses Not Permitted.
Surface metal raceways shall not be used in the following:
(1) Where subject to severe physical damage, unless otherwise approved

If all else fails push the inspector over it so he trips.

You would find it hard to damage wiremold 4000 without a hammer. It's made of .050" galvanized steel.

Before you start pushing the inspector around so that he sees the face up recps, consider this:




Taken directly from w-mold's catalogue
1500/2600 series. I don't think they've got an issue with the plug facing up.

Don't put your foot in your mouth