I do not see how this can be argued that it is not a substitute for fixed wiring.
It seems to me that this is one of the intents of 400.8.
Its always frustrating when an engineer comes up with a "great" idea on how to jerry-rig something...lol.
I guess I am confused on how a surface mounted 4" square with an offset nipple, device and duplex or double duplex raised mulberry cover would cost $5000.00
From a safety aspect - frayed and overloaded extension cords are a huge hazard no matter how you look it.
Hire a good electrician and get it done right - this sounds like the shoddy work done by "maintenance" in many gov't & commercial buildings
The fact that is "blessed" by an engineer makes no difference to me
