Hi Ted,
If I recall correctly, another code concern might be that pluggable items are
intended to be accessible so they can be unplugged in the event of fire or
shock. If the outlet is under a floor it cannot be seen, and cannot be accessed
easily for disconnection.
Mike Harris
-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Tarver <ptar...@nortelnetworks.com>
To: emc-p...@ieee.org <emc-p...@ieee.org>
Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 8:48 AM
Subject: RE: Wiring under raised floors
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
ptar...@nortelnetworks.com
-----Original Message-----
From: ted.eck...@apcc.com [mailto:ted.eck...@apcc.com]
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
