ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Violation Photo Forum This set up is illegal! Don't use them!!

This makeshift extension cord was constructed, and subsequently used, because there were no grounding type receptacles located nearby.




This so-called extension cord doesn’t meet the above criteria because the components used to construct it weren’tt designed for this purpose.

This type of portable cord has been the subject of continued dispute because many people around the United States and Canada have no knowledge of the possible hazards associated with the use of equipment that’s not designed to be use in this manner.

Joe, could you fill us in a little more on what the hazards are? I've always supposed these to be very safe, because they are built with high-quality, heavy-duty components. Clearly, from your comments here and on the related thread, that is not the case; you mention that many deaths have occurred because of these. Could you fill us in on what exactly goes wrong with them?

I ask this because I want to be educated, not to be argumentative; if my question comes off as the latter, it's only because, after 49 years, this cotton-picking English language still doesn't always do what I want it to.

If these assemblies aren't safe, then why are similar assemblies in pendants OK? They have what you show there hanging all over the place at Costco. (Perhaps with better cable and strain relief--I can't quite make out what's used on the one in the picture.)

Because they are in violation of 314.23(H) Pendant Boxes.

An enclosure supported by a pendant shall comply with 314.23(H)(1)

Flexible Cord. A box shall be supported from a multiconductor cord or cable in an approved manner that protects the conductors against strain, such as a strain-relief connector threaded into a box with a hub.

For pendants I have used bus drop to a w/p box with a threaded 1/2 or 3/4 opening with a Kellums grip strain relief cord grip. On the top end the bus drop is secured with a Skye-Tye and spring made by Adalet. I don't think this method, with a male cord cap installed on one end, would be suitable as an extension cord either. Am I wrong?

Note the "threaded into a box" language.

Your w/p box should be OK.