[jeelec]

is it permissable to install receptacles above ceilings? NEC400.8 says no.

 

[sbrn33]

So why ask?

 

[Big John]

Sure it is. You just can't legally plug anything into them.

 

[Pete m.]

Sure it is. You just can't legally plug anything into them.

That's almost 100% true. Some class 2 or 3 transformers (the ones that have the molded plugs) could be permitted.

Pete

 

[Big John]

That's almost 100% true. Some class 2 or 3 transformers (the ones that have the molded plugs) could be permitted.

Pete

Like these guys?

 

[ponyboy]

is it permissable to install receptacles above ceilings? NEC400.8 says no.

That's not what 400.8 says though. It's the cord

 

[Pete m.]

Like these guys?

Yea.

The OP quoted the prohibition for "cord" above the ceiling. A lot of class 2 and 3 wiring methods are permitted above a ceiling.

Pete

 

[cultch]

We did it all the time for the security guys. Never failed.

 

[Mshow1323]

We did it all the time for the security guys. Never failed.

We can all agree that Art. 400 deals with flexible cords, and it prohibits the original posters question. If we look at Appendix A, Flexible Cords and Cable are covered by UL 62 ie Art. 400. Now look toward the top of the list of Appendix A and you'll see that Cord Sets and Power-Supply Cords are covered by UL 817, thus not Art. 400.

"Flexible Cords" and "Cord Sets" are two entirely different animals. This is the reason why you've "never failed."
Cord sets are manufactured power cords (which happen to be CL2 or CL3), much like a tv or computer cord. Generally extension cords (UL 62) and custom build cords are considered "flexible," and pre-made are "Cord Sets" (UL 817). :thumbsup:

EDIT: I also firmly believe, that this will always be classified as a gray area. There is also a reason why you always see projectors with their cords run through the ceiling....because it's ok

 

[manchestersparky]

We can all agree that Art. 400 deals with flexible cords, and it prohibits the original posters question. If we look at Appendix A, Flexible Cords and Cable are covered by UL 62 ie Art. 400. Now look toward the top of the list of Appendix A and you'll see that Cord Sets and Power-Supply Cords are covered by UL 817, thus not Art. 400.

"Flexible Cords" and "Cord Sets" are two entirely different animals. This is the reason why you've "never failed."
Cord sets are manufactured power cords (which happen to be CL2 or CL3), much like a tv or computer cord. Generally extension cords (UL 62) and custom build cords are considered "flexible," and pre-made are "Cord Sets" (UL 817). :thumbsup:

EDIT: I also firmly believe, that this will always be classified as a gray area. There is also a reason why you always see projectors with their cords run through the ceiling....because it's ok

I see someone has been watching Mike Holt on you tube

 

[Big John]

I was gonna argue that I think this rule is out-dated because I think most modern cords resist dry-rotting pretty well when compared to old rubber cords. But I wonder if the logic behind this isn't the same as the prohibition for Romex, because of smoke loading during a fire?

 

[ponyboy]

I was gonna argue that I think this rule is out-dated because I think most modern probably cords resist dry-rotting pretty well when compared to old rubber cords. But I wonder if the logic behind this isn't the same as the prohibition for Romex, because of smoke loading during a fire?

On another somewhat related note. When is the last time you've seen the space above a drop ceiling used as a plenum? Maybe it's common in warmer climates but I've never seen it or heard of it being done in this area

 

[Awg-Dawg]

When is the last time you've seen the space above a drop ceiling used as a plenum?

The majority of ceilings I have seen were plenum.

 

[Big John]

I built a couple highrises down south where the ceilings were plenum. My commercial experience in New England is too limited to really speak on it, but none of the ones I can recall were plenum.

 

[KGN742003]

Anyone ever have to feed a cord connected condensate pump above a suspended ceiling? How did you do it?

 

[wendon]

I've installed recepts on top of a beer cave so the sign cord wouldn't have to be plugged in on the front.

 

[Big John]

Anyone ever have to feed a cord connected condensate pump above a suspended ceiling? How did you do it?

I've put in a lot of drop-ceiling receptacles. If some other trade comes behind me and just happens to plug in projectors and televisions and condensate pumps, that's not my problem. :whistling2:

 

[ablyss]

This looks like an outdated topic but nevertheless I'll jump in.
The original question was about receptacles in drop ceilings, not cords. I guess people just assume anything you plug into a receptacle has a cord. Not true. Yes you can install receptacles in drop ceilings and as long as the appliance is in accordance with the code like article 400.8 you have nothing to worry about.

 

[dspiffy]

On another somewhat related note. When is the last time you've seen the space above a drop ceiling used as a plenum?

I cant remember having seen it done, in the midwest or the south. Of course it happens sometimes unintentionally when people mess with HVAC.

The elementary school my wife attended in the 80s burned down in the 2000s, I saw the investigation report. Apparently there was "faulty wiring" serving "faulty fluorescent lights" in the plenum space, which arced and ignited the ceilings.

 

[Deep Cover]

90% of the commercial spaces we work in have plenum rated ceilings.