Electrical Code

We receive a lot of questions, sideways glances and even a few complaints about our inability to accommodate all desired setups in classrooms and offices.  The vast majority of these come from us citing the Fire Code and specifically the portion relating to electrical connections.  We understand that the Fire Code is very confusing, the wording is clearly established by lawyers who have their own language.  The fire code is also extremely extensive.

A simple, non-lawyery interpretation may be:  Extension cords are not allowed for any non-mobile installation & Any "power-strip" must be grounded, polarized and equipped with overcurrent protection (circuit breaker, fuse, or surge protection).

For those of you who may speak lawyer, or just want more information, here is an excerpt from a fire code field reference

ELECTRICAL (E)

A. (605.4.1) Relocatable power taps shall be of the polarized or grounded type, equipped with overcurrent protection, and shall be listed in accordance with UL 1363.

B. (605.4.2) Relocatable power taps shall be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle.

C. (605.4.3) Relocatable power taps shall not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, or be subject to environmental or physical damage.

D. (605.5) Extension cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring.

E. (605.5) Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact.

F. (605.5) Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances.

G. (605.5.1) Extension cords shall only be plugged directly into an approved receptacle, power tap, or multiplug adapter.

H. (605.5.1) Except for approved multiplug extension cords, each extension cord shall serve only one portable appliance.

l. (605.5.3) Extension cords shall be maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or damage.

J. (605.5.4) Extension cords shall be grounded when serving grounded portable appliances.

K. (605.5.2) The ampacity of the extension cords shall not be less than the rated capacity of the portable appliance supplied by the cord.