Ted - At issue, really, is whether or not the under side of the raised floor is used for environmental air, not simply that it's in a computer room. For the question at hand, though, I'll assume that's the case.
My first inclination is to say it's not allowed. If you also look at 300-22 of the NEC, you'll note that devices generally aren't allowed in environmental air spaces. However, if the devices are used in the "other spaces" loosely described in 300-22(c), there's the option of the device being certified for the application. I can imagine receptacles being made entirely of thermosetting materials that could quite possibly comply with the relevant requirements (say, in UL910) and being allowed under the raised floor. Ultimately, though, it comes down to what the local Authority Having Jurisdiction has to say about an installation. Some may argue against your scenario, while others may not care. Regards, Peter L. Tarver, PE [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 2:12 PM Is it permissible to place electrical receptacles under the raised floor of a computer room? Can power cords pass through openings in the raised floor or do all power connections need to be in conduit? I have received two opinions; one stating that receptacles must be accessible above floor level and the other stating that receptacles can be placed below the floor. The United States National Electrical Code is a bit vague on the subject, although Article 645-5 (d) (2) seems to imply that conduit is only required up to the receptacle. I can find no references to raised floor installations in the Canadian Electrical Code or BS 7671, IEE Wiring Regulations. Ted Eckert
