ECN Forum
Posted By: aldav53 Floor Outlets - 08/07/03 08:01 PM
I have installed a flat cable under a carpet in a commercial building years ago (expensive I believe). Do they make a cable to install in a residential home under the carpet to add a floor outlet? Is there something better than chisling out the cement and laying pvc?
Posted By: SvenNYC Re: Floor Outlets - 08/07/03 09:18 PM
Just out of curiosity. I've read that placing cable under a rug or carpet is dangerous because of heat buildup and also abrasion to the insulation?

What type of cable did you use and how is it protected?
Posted By: aldav53 Re: Floor Outlets - 08/07/03 09:27 PM
It was a special cable made to run under carpet, looked very expensive, but don't remeber what type or brand it was.
Posted By: Bjarney Re: Floor Outlets - 08/07/03 09:59 PM
aldav -- You may be referring to 99 NEC Article 363 — Flat Cable Assemblies: Type FC.

http://www.delmarelectric.com/resources/sampchaps/electricity_1/E1-Chapter_18.pdf page 17

http://tnbelectricalworld.tnb.com/contractor/docs/versatrak_wiremgmt.pdf




[This message has been edited by Bjarney (edited 08-07-2003).]
Posted By: Trumpy Re: Floor Outlets - 08/08/03 12:53 AM
I'd go along with Sven on that idea!.
This is the same reason why flex's shouldn't be run under mats.
The cable would be be safer from an electrical and fire safety point of view, if it was buried in conduit. [Linked Image]
Posted By: amp-man Re: Floor Outlets - 08/08/03 03:22 AM
aldav53,

FCC (flat conductor cable) is allowed ONLY in commercial occupancies and ONLY under carpet squares!

The logic is that if there's a problem (meaning a fire), it'll be more apparent in an office setting, and people will be awake and able to evacuate faster.

As for the carpet square thing--I'm guessing that it's because carpet squares are not stretched during installation, like wall-to-wall carpet on a roll. Even though FCC glues down pretty well to cement slab, it could still be damaged by movement of carpet over it.

So, get out the rotp hammer and set it to "chip"...do the job right, do it safe!

Cliff
Posted By: aldav53 Re: Floor Outlets - 08/08/03 04:30 AM
AMP-MAN,
Your right, they were carpet squares in a commercial building that I laid the flat cable. Looks like its cement cutting time.
Thanks,
© ECN Electrical Forums