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Nichols

Was this some flexible cord running into a handi-box? The four by four rounded-corner box that you put up to two duplex receptacles in it?

If that's what it is, then you are not using that box in a manner it was designed for. The knockouts on the box can break off and expose live current carrying parts, and if you drop the box and the plastic faces of the receptacles shatter, you can also expose yourself to danger.

I think the electrician was (in a not so tactful way) looking out for your safety.

However I disagree with him ripping your stuff up like that. He could have told you politely that such a contraption is not safe and not appropriate (and could expose you to problems with OSHA since they frown upon these things because of the obvious dangers).

There was a whole discussion on these things in one of Joe Tedesco's forums (where he was fuming mad, and rightfully so, about one he was given to use at a hotel).

This item was a real doozy, with the screws holding the outlets to the cover plate missing, one receptacle face was cracked and the "strain relief" had popped out of the box knockout.

Unfortunately it's been removed or something - I wanted to link to it. I can't find it.

Brian, I think this is the one you are thinking about https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/Forum14/HTML/000350.html . If you didn't get a chance yet to read OSHA Professor's post you should since he helped clear up what the electrical contractors responsibility was.

Curt

It had a strain relief on it.. it wasnt one of those handy boxes.. it was a solid metal box, with one hole in the side where that strain relief went, to be honest I saw the box similar to this one i was using on a previous site and thought it looked alittle better than the stupid extension cords we were carrying around, all the thing was used for was a dremel , a cordless drill charger, and a wakie talkie charger.. I had it glued to a piece of wood that held the chargers.. it had one GFCI on it.. I was just wondering if I was in the wrong with it, if not I was going to replace it.. He tore it up pretty bad or i would take a picture and show you guys..

thanks..

I think I understand what he what doing, but I don't think he had a right to do it in the way he did. He actually did harm to his cause by doing it the way he did.

He would have been much further ahead to quietly explain to you the problems he had with your cords, and give you the opportunity to bring something else the next day.

It makes me think about how I present my point of view of things. How to get my point across without being labelled. I've been brought up short a time or two here in this forum, and I think that is good.

TW

Well can you tell me so I can at least approach this guy? He seems to have a major problem with us low-volts. Thats what he was muttering the whole time he was tearing apart my board. I want to know if there is something against NEC or OESHA codes.. According to my office there isnt and they want to submit him a bill.. So could someone tell me yea or nay? I dont want this guy in any trouble over this unless he really has a beef with us low volts..

(BTW, I am going to ask my teacher at class about this, i am doing my apret. classes..)

thanks
nichols

is it this particular modification in question, or ALL x-cord modifications that would be a no-no??

Nichols,

You mentioned Was the GFCI you are referring to in the box that you built? If the GFCI is a standard $7.00 unit one mounts in a outlet at the kitchen counter, then there is a lack of protection. The standard GFCI won't default to tripped state if the power is lost or the continuity of the neutral is broken.

Al

nichols ---

Whether or not the device is code compliant or not, your device should not have been damaged.

If you are mad, bill the electrician, and then sue him in court to collet.

Win or lose he will realize his behavior will cost him money.

-------

Is it legal?

There was a thread about building a movable kitchen island with outlets connected to power thru a plug into a wall outlet. No one claimed that "extension cord" was not legal.

There are UL listed extension cords that look much like what you have, several standard recepts in a plastic box.

Nichols, Just a few more questions, so we can understand everyones position on this.

1. Was this a union jobsite?

2. Are you a union contractor?

3. Did the electricion whom you refer to identify himself as a union rep. or as a safety officer?

4. Has your supervisor explained to you the terms of your companies contract and defined your scope of work at this jobsite?

I have worn many hats over the years and have seen situations as you describe many times. If this was a union jobsite and you are a non-union contractor doing work that has been exempted from a contract. Than be relieved that your extension cord was the only thing damaged. I am not saying this is right or wrong, however this is what its like working with the big boys.

Instead of going back to your teacher and complaining, you should tell him that you had a new learning experience.

I would forget about the money, keep the home made cords for home.

If it is a good size job, your company's contract probably has something about complying with all codes, so the GC will back up the electrician.

As I said I would not have damaged your cord, but from your description I would have asked you to remove it from the site.

And Pearlfish has some good points to think about.