Ceiling power cord - DIY Chatroom

kerry42 · 11-02-2009, 08:30 PM

Hello I'm knew here. I have a question in regards to power cords from the ceiling. I have a small bakery that has a prep table in the center of the room that I use mixers and such ,is it code or allowed to have a power cord that is attached to a electric box thats mounted above a drop or grid ceiling to power these small appliances .The cord would have a cord grip at box and have a female cord end the cord would be 12/3 so cord .

nap · 11-02-2009, 08:33 PM

You can hang a recep in a proper box

or you could install a recep pointing downward at the ceiling.

I don't care for that type of install simply due to the situation of where the recep gets weak and has difficulty retaining the plug.

Lazy_Jake · 11-02-2009, 08:43 PM

I've seen this in hobby shops and metal shops and such....I don't see why not. Just make sure that you can access them easily to unplug in an emergency.

**Scuba_Dave** · 11-02-2009, 08:46 PM

They also have retractable cords
This may be considered a "kitchen" setup & need GFCI
Not sure on commercial electric installs proper code.....

How much power do these draw?
You may need more then one circuit

nap · 11-02-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

attached to a electric box thats mounted above a drop or grid ceiling

I would have to hunt code sections to be sure but I am pretty sure you cannot do this above a lay-in ceiling.

kerry42 · 11-02-2009, 09:38 PM

I should have said that the box would be a 1900 box mounted to the grid with the proper mounting bracket and a ring would be attached to the box and be flush with face of the tile and that trim single gang cover fasten to the box with a 1/2 knockout and a cord grip with the 12/3 cord then attached.

spark plug · 11-02-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry42

I should have said that the box would be a 1900 box mounted to the grid with the proper mounting bracket and a ring would be attached to the box and be flush with face of the tile and that trim single gang cover fasten to the box with a 1/2 knockout and a cord grip with the 12/3 cord then attached.

Don't know the Code on this. But common sense (and some experience, installing Grid/Drop Ceilings) tells me that unless the (1900) box is reinforced by a chain (inside the DC) or extra reinforcement by tie wire of the immediate area of the box, it should not be done due to the unintentional, forceful yanking (not to be confused with NY Yankees) of the cord. Which could bring down the box along with part of the ceiling. (No matter what)

Don't Drink and Drive, Ever!!!

frenchelectrican · 11-03-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nap

I would have to hunt code sections to be sure but I am pretty sure you cannot do this above a lay-in ceiling.

Nap .,

If I recall it have at least 4 sections related to this code situation reguarding of the box above supended ceiling and if that is air handling space the bet is off you know how strict it is.,,,

One related to proper stand off
Second is the proper box to support the drop cord
there are few more I have to dig it up

Oh yeah .,,

To OP
You can not use the shallow or deep 1900 box at all it is not allowed in food prep area you have to use as one of the member posted the yellow box aka woodward heads that what I called them or use FS box { that is diecast box with threaded hub in there }

Merci,Marc

fltdek · 11-03-2009, 12:39 AM

I'd call the local county/city inspector and ask them, don't necessarily have to tell them who you are....but at least ( I would hope) they would know for sure in your area.

jbfan · 11-03-2009, 10:13 AM

Don't have the code section, but a cord is not allowed to pass through a drop ceiling, weather hardwired or plug connected.

nap · 11-03-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbfan

Don't have the code section, but a cord is not allowed to pass through a drop ceiling, weather hardwired or plug connected.

I'll have to look now because of your post but I have never had an inspector shoot down the woods box (with proper restraints/supports above) hanging below a lay in ceiling.

kerry42 · 11-03-2009, 11:23 AM

I not sure if I am explaining it well. I will be mounting a 1900 box ABOVE the ceiling tile and proper mounting will be done to secure the box to the grid with a bar hanger that attaches to the grid ( not sure of the exeact name of bar hanger that clips to the grid runners above the ceiling ) at that point there will be a drywall ring installed so that ring would be FLUSH with the face of the ceiling tile.You would NOT see the box only the opening from a single gang ring ,the box would be piped to another j box for power and wire pulled for a feed . I would then take a single gang ss steel blank cover plate and punch a 1/2 ko out and attach a cord grip with 12 /3 SO cord and terminate a female 20 amp cord end. The cord would only extend from the ceiling about 3 feet down.

kbsparky · 11-03-2009, 11:49 AM

Sounds doable to me. Section 400.7(3) would allow such a setup.

As long as you don't have that cord passing through or located above the ceiling [see sections 400.8(2) and 400.8(5)]

Jim Port · 11-03-2009, 01:38 PM

Without looking I believe the box needs threaded hubs and strain reliefs too.

kbsparky · 11-03-2009, 02:22 PM

You guys are not reading the OP's specs correctly.

There is NOT a box hanging down, so no threaded hubs or strain reliefs are needed at the terminating end.

It is a 3 foot cord, with a female cord cap installed on the end. The strain relief will be at the beginning (fully exposed), fastened on a blank plate mounted flush at the ceiling.

Section 400.7(3) allows this to facilitate the "Connection of portable .... appliances."

Section 400.8 does not apply in this case, as the flexible cord will not be located within the suspended ceiling, nor concealed.