Odd way to wire up some outlets

[alfredeneuman]

Even the one with the screws in it has keyhole slots in it's back.
The clamps can be loosened and the plug strip just snaps into the clips. The closed oval can be hung off of cup hooks, finish nails, etc.
All are removable.

They're listed as Relocatable Power Taps for a very good reason.
Junction boxes, panels, etc. that are screwed down would not be considered "relocatable" by any stretch of the imagination

 

[AntonLargiader]

Interesting. Without further details it's hard to know what type of power strip it is, but from the UL page: "There are numerous types of power strips including, but not limited to: furniture power distribution units, multioutlet assemblies and relocatable power taps."

FPDUs can be permanently mounted, RPTs are intended for temporary mounting only whatever that is. There's a reference to the use of tools for mounting which may decide that. Wing nuts OK, hex nuts not OK?

 

[Crazyjake8493]

It's a shame. That's a nice looking space and then they do something lazy like that. Some surface mounted boxes and EMT painted to match the toe kick would've blended in nicely and worked better.

 

[ford33]

That installation says a lot about the quality of work being done in the restaurant. If it looks crappy in the dining area, the food prep area cannot be any better. Saving money in visible places surely means the owner is cutting expenses and rules in unseen areas. Maybe pest control, food expiration dates and cleanliness rules are not being followed. If I saw that, I would not return to eat there.

I also noticed those strips look very close to floor level. What happens, over time, when the teenage kid keeps wet mopping the floor and getting them wet?

Are they designed to be in that type of service location?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Looks like job security to me.


It's not unusual to have people stop by or call the station and inquire/report things like this.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

So why do they come with keyholes or ears meant to be screwed down?

IDK, but it's code. "NFPA 70, RPT are for use as a movable power supply connection for cord and plug connected electrical utilization equipment and shall not serve as fixed wiring of a structure or of fixed furnishings, such as but not limited to applications in permanent countertops of kitchens and bathrooms."

Basically, relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured to building structures, tables, work benches or similar structures and cannot be used as a substitute for fixed wiring.

Tommy