cord above ceiling code

[laser3kw]

We are installing a cell booster amp at work for better phone coverage inside the plant. The hardware install is straight forward with connections to outside antenna and inside cable runs and nodes.
Where my question lies is with the power connection to the booster amp. It runs off 120v and the unit has the typical power cord with receptacle plug. Others here (at our plant) want to mount the amp above the ceiling panels to have it out of site. They think the can just add a receptacle above the panels and plug it in. I know this is a no-no ( not NEC compliant 400.8 & 400.7). The receptacle is ok, just can't use it for an appliance power connection (temporary use such as a drill for maintenance or in some cases luminaries -ok).
So, what do you do? do you cut the plug off the appliance ( our booster amp) and wire to a junction box above the ceiling (possibly void warranty of appliance)? If so, how is the power cord now considered the correct rating for the application. Or do you open the unit, wire to it from a junction box via BX?
Or bite the bullet, mount the booster under the panels near ceiling and install receptacle in same location?

 

[sberry]

Put a recept, plug it in.

 

[cybrdyke]

Is the space above the ceiling tiles an air handling plenum?
CD

 

[laser3kw]

Is the space above the ceiling tiles an air handling plenum?

no. all hvac runs thru ducting with dedicated inlets and outlets.

 

[Norcal]

From what I understand cords are prohibited above a suspended ceiling.

 

[tab2]

I cannot site anything specific that would follow under an electrical, fire or building code. My experience here is that with a plenum return (not having a ducted return) cords aren't technically allowed in the ceiling, but I have never seen a failed inspection because of this. It is the inspectors call if he wants the cord cap cut off and wired into a j-box, or a receptacle, I would say it is 50:50 (whatever the electrician decided on. It is usually a condensate pump for an HVAC unit.

I believe it stems from that typical appliance cords are not plenum rated. Thus if you have a return air plenum, it is not allowed to have the cord above a drop ceiling.

 

[alfredeneuman]

The NEC, ARTICLE 400 Flexible Cords and Cables under Uses not Permitted says "(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings"
The main concern is that the cord will become brittle in the future, not be noticed (because it's hidden) and rot.

The way to get around it is by hardwiring the unit.
You can install as many receptacles above the ceiling as you want; you just can't plug anything into them (other than a wall wart transformer)

 

[sberry]

I figured it might have one? But the unit will probably fail or become obsolete before this is much of a concern although it may be abandoned and not removed. Violate at own risk, if the rest of the place is tidy would keep it that way. I was in a place last week would have been a minor concern.

 

[wssix99]

Or bite the bullet, mount the booster under the panels near ceiling and install receptacle in same location?

I've installed similar gear in plants before and this is what I would do. The first time you need to perform maintenance on the thing or check it out, you'll be kicking yourself for putting it behind the tiles.

If you want it up, out of the way, and accessible - one thing you may consider is a ceiling panel enclosure:

You can get them with locks to keep the equipment secure, it keeps things out of sight and off the wall, and it's easily accessible with a short ladder.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

No cordage allowed above suspended ceilings.

 

[nh_yota]

You can't chop the plug off the end and hard wire it because then it loses its UL listing. I like the ceiling enclosure idea.

 

[tyme2par4]

You can't chop the plug off the end and hard wire it because then it loses its UL listing. I like the ceiling enclosure idea.

More importantly, it's still considered a cord, unless you replace the wire with NM cable.

 

[alfredeneuman]

NM cable is not permitted to be used "exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings" per NEC 334.12(A)(2).

I personally like the idea of the ceiling enclosure. I didn't know they existed until now... Thank you

 

[alfredeneuman]

If cutting off the cord and hardwiring the unit would void the listing, then cutting off the cord, replacing it with NM, and hardwiring it would also.

 

[rsanter]

I've installed similar gear in plants before and this is what I would do. The first time you need to perform maintenance on the thing or check it out, you'll be kicking yourself for putting it behind the tiles.

If you want it up, out of the way, and accessible - one thing you may consider is a ceiling panel enclosure:

You can get them with locks to keep the equipment secure, it keeps things out of sight and off the wall, and it's easily accessible with a short ladder.

this is what we have at work

bob

 

[wyliesdiesels]

More importantly, it's still considered a cord, unless you replace the wire with NM cable.

U cant do that unless the unit was specifically listed for hardwiring such as a dishwasher with a j box and NM-b cable isnt allowed in drop ceilings...

 

[laser3kw]

good news here
After voicing my findings and backing it up with NEC code and explanations, the booster will be mounted "under" the ceiling with a receptacle installed in the same area. That will allow monitoring the status lights and comply with NEC.

 

[Falcon67]

I'm pretty sure every classroom projector here has a cord that runs to a plug up above the drop ceiling tiles. I've never seen maintenance put in a ceiling mounted power plug.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Erico (Caddy) makes specialty brackets for boxes mounted face down in T-bar.

They're easy to use and rated at 50lb. I've used the heck out of them.

 

[ard]

U cant do that unless the unit was specifically listed for hardwiring such as a dishwasher with a j box and NM-b cable isnt allowed in drop ceilings...

Why would you put a dishwasher in the ceiling?!



















(I kid, I kid...)

 

[rharman]

I've installed similar gear in plants before and this is what I would do. The first time you need to perform maintenance on the thing or check it out, you'll be kicking yourself for putting it behind the tiles.

If you want it up, out of the way, and accessible - one thing you may consider is a ceiling panel enclosure:

You can get them with locks to keep the equipment secure, it keeps things out of sight and off the wall, and it's easily accessible with a short ladder.

I've never seen those before either. I like that idea.