I am a bit perplexed that as long as this thread has been posted, no one has actually answered the questions posed in the first post.
First of all, this "strip" appears to have been approved under UL 1449 according to the picture supplied. The scope of this standard covers "transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS) intended for permanently connected, cord-connected and direct plug-in applications, designed for repeated limiting of transient voltage surges as specified in the Standard on 50 or 60 Hz power circuits not exceeding 600 V."
So... yes you can use these devices permanently.
However, if the device was approved under UL 1363 "Relocatable Power Taps" then the scope of the standard says that the equipment is designed for temporary use.
Now to get to the "daisy chaining" issue. As the scope (see above) of 1449 indicates, this type of device is only approved for "direct plug-in applications" (i.e., into an approved permanently wired receptacle). In July 2004, UL 1363 was updated to specifically prohibit daisy chaining. This standard now says, "A cord-connected Relocatable Power Tap is not intended to be connected to another cord-connected Relocatable Power Tap."
In the Mar/Apr 2002 issue of IAEA News, this question was also addressed in the UL Question Corner.
http://www.iaei.org/magazine/02_b/02_b_ULQuestionCorner.pdf On a related note, UL in its spring04 electrical newsletter discussed the safe or should I say unsafe use of RPTs in healthcare occupancies.
http://www.ul.com/tca/spring04/taps.html As has been pointed out in several other posts... the real problem is not the "permanent" use of these devices... it is the overloading of the device. I am sure that many of you are aware of the requirement in NEC 210.21(B)(2) essentially says that outlet devices must not be loaded beyond 80% of their capacity. OSHA has a similar requirement in 1910.304(b)(2) that while not as specific covers the same usage issue.
"Strips" like the equipment discussed here are outlet devices and therefore users must be "trained" if necessary in how to properly use the device. In workplaces in the US, this training is required (under OSHA 1910.332) to ensure that unqualified persons are informed of safe electrical work practices that "are necessary for their safety." This is obviously a requirement for the employer and not a contractor.
However, we can't police the stupid things people do in the privacy of their own homes.
Joe... I wish I always had my camera with me. I have personally found numerous examples of these devices that have failed. Listed and labeled devices that have been abused by the user. I have two photos, the best one I actually found in .... hold your breath... a fire department. No dispespect meant to any fire inspectors that may read this post... but, it has been my experience that fire inspectors have a thorough understanding of NFPA 101 but minimal understanding and training in NFPA 70.
Sorry about the edits, I was kicked off the server twice while composing this post.
[This message has been edited by safetygem (edited 11-09-2004).]
