This video should have mentioned the obvious NEC violation {400.12(2)} of running a flexible cord above a suspended ceiling.
400.12 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.10, flexible cords, flexible cables, cord sets, and power supply cords 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
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Hi Robert, Thanks for pointing this out. The scope of this video was about the general scope of a kitchen inspection and the special components included. Generally, code violations are outside the scope, and inspectors aren’t required to look above suspended ceiling tiles. Next time, we could point something like this out to avoid confusion.
Just curious, what are the exceptions?
The reason why I ask, just as in this video, we often see suspended receptacles in workplaces such as kitchens, production, testing facilities etc.
My experience has been that in properly wired and designed structures, immediately above the drop ceilings, the wiring is in conduit to a box at every drop location. From the box down and through the ceiling tiles, is where the flexible extension is extended for functional use.
Whenever there has been a drop ceiling installed, or remodel work has been performed, is where you will most likely find the issues with the wiring above the ceiling tiles.
IMO, it is imperative that in older structures an attempt is made to view these areas,
whether “required to or not”!
This is one of many such situations in commercial property inspecting that separate the newbie commercial inspectors from the Professionals.
Classic case of knowing when and WHY to exceed the SOP. For me, I am going to lift tiles, find the water heaters, locate the air handlers and view the structure or other components. A silly ceiling tile is not going to stop this process 90% of the time.
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Here’s the NEC uses permitted list for flexible cords and an old graphic that’s still relevant.
400.10 Uses Permitted.
(A) Uses. Flexible cords and flexible 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.
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