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#195726 08/19/10 03:10 PM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 241
S
SJT Offline OP
Member
On a constuction site there was an extension cord. (not off the shelf) It was made with Hard Usage rubber cord, male plug on one end, and a 1900 with a Quad receptacle on the other. The AHJ is turning it down. He says the box is not used for it's intended use. Is this permitted on a constuction site? Or, must you use an off the shelf type cord? Thanks for the input. Good Day

SJT #195727 08/19/10 04:15 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 212
G
Member
It's the 1900 thats the issue. A 1900 box is listed to be mounted or supported by a structural member. If you used an FS box with a CGB or kelems it should be OK but the cost would be ridiculous. Buy a cord.

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
I bet you had a Romex connector on the 1900 box too wink

You can also use a listed cord receptacle but there inspectors who don't like home built or repaired cords, no matter what you do.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
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Isn't that the truth, Greg!

The "no DIY cords" crowd got a boost from OSHA, and have applied the 'pendant cord' requirements to such efforts. That is, the box needs to have the connector attached using a hub (lock nuts alone aren't enough) and a proper strain relief connector. Such a requirement is found in the NEC under 'pendants.'

"Proper" in this case meaning one of the types with rubber grommets; Romex connectors are listed for use with flexible cord (look at the box), but not for this application. "Pendant" connectors have a much more rigorous strain relief test.

The next issue, of course, is the OSHA desire to have all cords, on all construction sites, be GFCI protected.

I had assembled a rather nice such center, and had presented it to a certain very prominent 'code authority,' a man who has made a career out of taking pictures of falling-apart 1600-box assemblies. He conceeded that the effort looked worthy ..... until, years later, he sent me a link and asserted that now ALL DIY assemblies were banned.

Alas, the 'link' was to the entire Code of Federal Regulations, and I have yet to find whatever it was he was citing.

I fail to see where the AHJ comes into this discussion. Building permits, after all, are on the building - not the builder. I don't believe that a contractor's tools are under the jurisdiction of the building inspector. If he doesn't like it, he has the same right as anyone to call OSHA- no more.


Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
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GFI protection, no lighting on the same circuit, that's about it for me. A lot of jobs have a note within the spec that the EC is responsible for temp power, receptacles w/GFI at defined distances, lighting , etc. I do check GFIs.

As to 'patched' when I see them, I say something. As to homemade...I don't feel that it's my axe to grind. Unsafe items get my attention also, usually with a verbal to the offender. Usually I hear...'that's not my cord'. Most ECs keep an eye open, especially when they have scheduled inspections.

On the OSHA side, I know of one jobsite that raised a few $$$ for cords.


John
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,233
H
Member
I have seen where the EC's use that type of box for temp wiring, but what they do is mount everything on a piece of wood. Then they move the wood around and they secure the wood post to the I-beams where needed.

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 241
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SJT Offline OP
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Thanks. I think they need to set up a small power station designed for work sites.


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