Perhaps a dumb question... about power strips.

[Chukster]

Wanna pick the brains here, with an idea I've had, and get the real bad news from people who know the code (no armchair code quoters, please).

I have a generic power strip, six outlet, grounded, with about 4 ft cord. I want to put it on the wall behind my family room TV, which is mounted above the fireplace mantel; surface is paneling over brick. TV mount is already up there, well lag-shielded into the brick. Ain't coming off short of a real earthquake.

We're going to be changing things around, partly to deal with going to streaming instead of AT&T U-verse TV. I want outlets behind the TV, for it, and the soundbar, and the Google Chromecast power widget. This will also reduce the number of cables inside the cord duct that's used for HDMI, DVD Player, attic antenna, etc.

The basic question is, does the code have anything to say about replacing the cord on the outlet strip with a longer one, say 10 or 12 ft? A peek into the strip, the existing cord is welded (spot welded?) to the strips conductors. IF I replace the cord, of course I'll have to solder; but I'm a competent solderer; been doing it for electronics repair for over 30 years. Never 'certified' like on a production line, but I do good work (in my never to be humble opinion!! :-D )

Commentariat, have at it.

 

[PCustoms]

Just buy a new power strip with a longer cord.

1st hit, there are many options. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KZGT258/?tag=atomicindus08-20

"Code" doesn't say anything about you modifying a power strip (or an appliance), but you are voiding the UL listing.

 

[BillK]

Replacing the cord will most likely cancel the UL rating. I agree with PC, just buy one with a longer cord. Home Depot has tons of options. Just bought one myself about a week ago.

 

[infinkc]

Just get an extension cord?

 

[u2slow]

What you're describing is modifying a consumer product. It is certified as-manufactured. It will no longer be certified once modified.

I ran a fresh 20A circuit to my TV alcove.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yeah youll violate the NRTL listing (U/L is an NRTL), if it has one, the warranty, and any power surge equipment coverage

As much trouble as you’ll go to solder a new cord on, would be easier to just buy a new power strip.

This is a case of penny-wise pound foolish

 

[Chukster]

What you're describing is modifying a consumer product. It is certified as-manufactured. It will no longer be certified once modified.

I ran a fresh 20A circuit to my TV alcove.

OK all thanks for the consensus, yeah, you're right, just get an appropriate length cord. Google is my shopping friend

As far as running a new 20A circuit, I would like that, and could even do that, since I have a new panel with plenty of space and capacity (house remodel for a downstairs apartment, last year - had to upgrade 50+ year old box & service. Happy happy)

But notice I said - TV is mounted above the mantel of a BRICK fireplace. - TV mount is lagged into the brick, but putting a box with power in it on there would be a huge task. So, I have to work from the bookshelf nook on each side of the fireplace. And cord cover up and around the corners. Trying hard to not make a sow's ear out of a silk purse.

OK, back to watching the Bills vs. Pats.

 

[Viper98912]

Your cheapest option is probably to just buy a small 3 prong extension cord, I have one and it's just a simple six footer for this type of application

 

[alfredeneuman]

https://www.newegg.com/p/0HZ-01R1-0...&cm_re=power_cords-_-0HZ-01R1-00407-_-Product

 

[Shovelhead]

the problem you have is minor compared to what I'd be dealing with if I were you.

I wouldn't know whether to look at the TV or the fireplace.

 

[Chukster]

the problem you have is minor compared to what I'd be dealing with if I were you.

I wouldn't know whether to look at the TV or the fireplace.

Gets really confooozing when I turn on one of ambient music channels with the hours of fireplace.

 

[Bucko]

You can also get combo strips that have USB power ports in them. It will eliminate a few of the adapter packs that come with the ROKU an Fire Stick type devices. I usually add an outlet behind the wall mounted TV's because I hate seeing cords running down the wall. You can then plug a surge protector with the swivel plugs into the outlet.

Nekteck [UL Listed] Surge Protector Wall Tap Adapter 4 Rotating Outlets Plug with Dual USB 2.4A Charging Ports,540 Joules Surge Suppressor for Travel or Home/Office Use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071YLDZV3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[alfredeneuman]

Your cheapest option is probably to just buy a small 3 prong extension cord, I have one and it's just a simple six footer for this type of application

Not to be an armchair code quoter but it's required by the listing requirements to be plugged into a permanently installed receptacle.
UL lists it as a "relocatable power tap"

 

[u2slow]

@Chukster you can't wire a receptacle within 4' of the brick fireplace for the 4' cord to reach?

 

[Chukster]

@Chukster you can't wire a receptacle within 4' of the brick fireplace for the 4' cord to reach?

I have a receptacle but it's closer to 9 or so feet away. 12ft cord, er relocatable power tap, coming up.

Granted, another option would be going up into the attic with all cables and coming down thru again . But as my FIL sometimes said, That's too much work.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Not to be an armchair code quoter but it's required by the listing requirements to be plugged into a permanently installed receptacle. The NRTL lists it as a "relocatable power tap".

Fixed it for ya

 

[jd_1138]

I'd go with a name brand not a generic.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Gets really confooozing when I turn on one of ambient music channels with the hours of fireplace.

That's two fires for twice the heat FTW.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Fixed it for ya

No need to fix it. I was a true statement

 

[ttpete]

I don't like plug strips with surge protectors. I placed a surge protector in the breaker panel and now use regular plug strips that have a breaker in them. They're usually better quality, also.

 

[nadogail]

Good Luck in finding an acceptable solution, I like the short extension cor idea the best.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

No need to fix it. It was a true statement

But U/L is not the only NRTL. What if it was listed by a different NRTL?

 

[alfredeneuman]

But U/L is not the only NRTL. What if it was listed by a different NRTL?

.....and what if they used another name for it?
I'll leave it up to you to do the research into that