Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: DOHMER, Location: Baton Rouge
Asked on: Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 9:24 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:11 am EDT
Question: I am been having a discussion with some of my co-workers about placing a receptacle above a suspended ceiling and then running the projector cord through the mounting tube and plugging it into the receptacle above the ceiling. The projector cord can be unplugged from the back of the projector which would allow it to be easily disconnected and removed for maintenance. I have always taken the stance that plugging a flexible cord into a receptacle above the ceiling for such equipment is not allowed by the code per NEC 400.8 (5). However, I was wondering if 400.7(8) would apply and allow the installation?
NEC 400.7(8) does not apply to this installation.NEC 400.7(8) applies to:- Luminaires (fixture) with attached cords- Luminaires with permanently attached cords- Portable handlampsNEC 400.8(5) prohibits the use of flexible cords for:- Fixed wiring of structures
In this case, the projector is considered a fixed piece of equipment, and the cord used to power it is considered fixed wiring. Therefore, plugging the projector cord into a receptacle above the ceiling is not allowed by NEC 400.8(5).Instead, the projector should be hard-wired to a junction box above the ceiling, or a cord and plug assembly should be used that is listed for use above ceilings.
Additional Considerations:- The receptacle above the ceiling must be accessible for servicing and maintenance.- The projector cord must be properly secured to prevent it from falling or being damaged. Flag for review