ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues extension cords

What code(s) prevent the use of extension cords for appliances, lamps etc. Please be as specific so as to convience this "lawyer" his refer. in his dining room must no be on a cord.. Thanks -dave

Without starting an argument I think it is safe to say extension cords can NOT be used for fixed in place equipment. (the easy example is an orange cord running up to a garage door opener). Beyond that it starts geting hazy. The intent of 210.52(A) is to avoid extension cords but I am not sure how you stop the end user from extending a switched outlet around the wall to a lamp with a listed extension cord.

590.3(B) restricts temporary cabling to a maximum of 90 days in this case.

400.8(1) is oft cited, as extension cords are most often used because there's no receptacle within 6' of where it should be. Also, the cords used are almost always too small- if you're using a cheap #18 extension cord on a 20A outlet, you're violating 400.5. As I work in a government office, they flat out forbade extension cords as illegal, and issued surge supressors with 12' cords instead! (Surge supressor is a device, which makes it not an extension cord, and therefore legal.) Letter the law vs intent of the law, I guess.

[This message has been edited by SteveFehr (edited 02-28-2007).]

[This message has been edited by SteveFehr (edited 02-28-2007).]

I may have been involved in the issue Steve is talking about if these were the cords in computer rooms. The determining factor from the safety standpoint is these "approved" surge strips also provide overcurrent protection. It was determined that a strip with O/C protection and no surge protection would also be OK but the NEC specifically allowed the ones with surge protection

Extension cords are legal.

In fact, they are made for just the purpose the person wishes to use them for.

Thank you! 400.8 was what I was looking for--dave

Show him 210.52 (B)(1), then 400.8! If he doesn't get it then, he must really be my neighbor!

Hank