We did have a thread, but people drew their own conclusions! The key is to follow "Uses permitted" (NEC 400.7) and "Uses not permitted" (NEC 400.8) for allowance of flexible cord usage. As seen below, if your equipment is easily interchangeable, you can use flexible cord. The small telecom equipment that would use a flexible cord would be assumed to be easily removable (and these days, it might be removed from service rather quickly for repair or because of obsolescence).
However, it is not permitted to be used in place of the building wiring. So, the flexible cord used for permanently connected equipment is not allowed in the US, Canada (Canadian Electrical Code, Part I has same rules), or Mexico (NOM-001-SEDE)has same rules. Typically, Items (3), (6), and (8) of "Uses Permitted" allow equipment, even small fixed equipment and including automatic teller machines to be pluggable. However, Item (1) of "Uses Not Permitted" eliminates permanently-connected flexible cords from use, though this is most common in Europe and the rest of the world. 400.7 Uses Permitted. (A) Uses. Flexible cords and cables shall be used only for the following: (1) Pendants. (2) Wiring of luminaires. (3) Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobile signs, or appliances. (4) Elevator cables. (5) Wiring of cranes and hoists. (6) Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequent interchange. (7) Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration. (8) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair, and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection. (9) Connection of moving parts. (10) Where specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code. (11) Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this application. (B) Attachment Plugs. Where used as permitted in 400.7(A)(3), (A)(6), and (A)(8), each flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from a receptacle outlet or cord connector body. Exception: As permitted in 368.56. 400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following: (1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure (2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors (3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings (4) Where attached to building surfaces Exception to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.56(B) (5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings (6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code (7) Where subject to physical damage DON GIES ALCATEL-LUCENT SENIOR PRODUCT COMPLIANCE ENGINEER GLOBAL PRODUCT COMPLIANCE LABORATORY 600-700 Mountain Avenue Room 5B-104 Murray Hill, NJ 07974-0636 USA Phone: +1 908 582 5978 Fax: +1 908 582 0582 [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: John Woodgate [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2014 8:45 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [PSES] Question on power cord length In message <[email protected]>, dated Wed, 6 Aug 2014, Don Gies <[email protected]> writes: >With regard to UL 60950-1 compliance, when we have had equipment, such >as small outdoor telecom equipment that is not intended to be used in >an ITE room per Article 645 of the NEC, we have been able to disregard >the flexible cord length restrictions (mostly the 1.5 meter minimum >rather than the 4.5 meter maximum), after negotiation with the NRTL. > > > >As Ted mentioned, we based our argument on the fact that Article 400, >applying to flexible cords, does not have a length restriction, but >only Article 645 does. Haven't we just had a thread, 'NRTL / OSHA interpretation of UL60950 clause 3.2.3' that is about small outdoor telephone equipment not being allowed to have an attached flexible cord? -- OOO - Own Opinions Only. With best wishes. See www.jmwa.demon.co.uk Quid faciamus nisi sit? John Woodgate, J M Woodgate and Associates, Rayleigh, Essex UK - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. 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To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to <[email protected]> All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieee-pses.org/emc-pstc.html Attachments are not permitted but the IEEE PSES Online Communities site at http://product-compliance.oc.ieee.org/ can be used for graphics (in well-used formats), large files, etc. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ Instructions: http://www.ieee-pses.org/list.html (including how to unsubscribe) List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas <[email protected]> Mike Cantwell <[email protected]> For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: <[email protected]> David Heald: <[email protected]>
