ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues What can Extension cords be used for?

What are some of the approved uses for standard Extension cords?

Bill

my 2 cnts;
for nothing permanent

When you say standard, do you mean not heavy duty, or hard & extra hard usage? We use them as power cords for starters on portable pumps in a Hazardous Location. Seals are required. I have also used them for temporary power on test bin agitator motors to conduct mixing studies in our research facility. Removed after the test, of course?

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 05-21-2001).]

Redsy,

By standard, I mean that they are not made for a specific purpose. Or have inline GFCI protection.
I'm under the impression that the cords We use for our work are supposed to have GFCI protection somewhere, either in the circuit or inline.

What can you legally use the little lamp cord (zipcord) extensions for?


Bill

what is 210-50(b)telling us to do?
does 400-7 apply to zip cord ( i don't see it in the table)

well do not know about code wise but i can remember grand ma whooping on me with one when i did something wrong seems she had those darn things everywhere

Yeah... my Mom's favorite was the percorlator cord... I wonder if there is something freudian going on here... We became electricians in the basic need to "control the wire"...

Whoa,

You guys are gettin deep!


Bill

If the question refers to "flexible cords and cables", then Art. 400 would be the controlling NEC rules. Specifically, Art. 400-7 Uses permitted and 400-8 Uses Not Permitted. "Standard" extension cords are used in our homes to "extend" the receptacle power to a more convenient location for power usage, and on construction sites for the same reason. However, all are supposed to be temporary as sparky says "nothing permanent".

WARREN1
true, but then it get's to again be somewhat definitional as to what would be considered permanent.

granny could unplug them once in a while

there are always loopholes....

as to Bill's original Q, i would further add.....
"does the NEC address extention cord use?"

305 & 400 aside.