Putting a plug onto Romex (Code ?)

[Done That]

I recently put an old Emerson ceiling fan up in my pole barn garage, but didn't feel like running a seperate switch for it for the time being. It's hung on a proper ceiling fan metal junction box.

From the fan junction box I ran some Romex 12-3 to the middle of the garage (like a 7' run) where there is a duplex outlet box that my garage door opener is plugged into.

Right now I've simply put a three prong electrical repair/plug onto the Romex and have it plugged into the second receptacle. I turn the fan on/off with the pull chain.

In time I may well redo this, most likely when a ceiling is put in.

I'm wondering if doing this is a specific code violation? It's all 12+ feet up in the air and the Romex stapled down so I don't see a big issue but it has me curious and Google didn't give me much specific guidance. Thanks all.

 

[n20junkie]

Not sure about the code. But something along the lines of not using plug/receptacles for permanently installed wiring/devices is a start. Romex isn't rated as an extension cord either so there is no work around for what you did.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

I don't believe you can use Romex in an exposed location like that and be to code. You'd need to use a shielded BX cable, which I think can only be terminated inside another box. I've never seen a BX cable with a plug on it. The issue is romex and bx are meant to be stationary... they're not rated for any movement once installed (i.e. unplugging/plugging in)

You're best bet would probably be to use a soow cord terminated in the fan box on one end, and a plug on the other. That would be the easiest way to bring it up to code, but in all honesty, I really don't see anything unsafe about how you've done it now if its that high up, inaccessible, and will not be moved.

 

[Done That]

I don't believe you can use Romex in an exposed location like that and be to code. You'd need to use a shielded BX cable, which I think can only be terminated inside another box. /QUOTE]

I'm not well versed in electrical terminology, so bear with me. All the exising wiring in this garage is in EMT until it gets to about 10' up, then it is just exposed. That is what the electrician said was cool, and that passed local inspection with no issue.

I can cetainly quickly rewire with something like soow cable + plug if that is code compliant.

I'm trying to make sure I don't leave my wife or kids a mess someday down the road when it's time to sell...I'm not just talking about this one specific thing, but just in general as I do projects I'm trying to do them right is all.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I don't believe you can use Romex in an exposed location like that and be to code. You'd need to use a shielded BX cable, which I think can only be terminated inside another box.

The Codes on MC, AC (BX), and Romex cables are exactly the same where it comes to physical damage. All ought to be protected against it.
I think that being +12' would eliminate that hazard.

You can't use cord as a substitute for fixed wiring.
You'd need to tie the NM into the wiring in the duplex outlet box itself in order to it be up to code

 

[tapered-pin]

If your wiring and boxes are exposed, you have several options.

*leave the fan wired as it is (pullstring operation?) and just hardwire the "plug" into the receptacle box that you have it plugged into. (do this at a minimum)

*you can also add a switch for the fan by mounting a switch in a box on the wall and running the romex coming out of it into the box where the fan is wired. then re-wire operation of the fan outlet so the switch interrupts power to the fan.

 

[alfredeneuman]

*you can also add a switch for the fan by mounting a switch in a box on the wall and running the romex coming out of it

Unless sleeved in conduit it would violate the prohibition from protection because of the height of the switch box.

 

[TRWham]

The Codes on MC, AC (BX), and Romex cables are exactly the same where it comes to physical damage. All ought to be protected against it.
I think that being +12' would eliminate that hazard.

You can't use cord as a substitute for fixed wiring.
You'd need to tie the NM into the wiring in the duplex outlet box itself in order to it be up to code

I agree this is your most straightforward solution for code compliance.

 

[walta]

Please remove the plug from the Romex and connect it inside the box. This type of work just screams shorts cuts bad workmanship and will make anyone want triple check everything else in the house.

Almost every ceiling fan sold today comes with a wireless remote use that to control the fan.

Walta

 

[bubinga]

I don't believe you can use Romex in an exposed location like that and be to code. You'd need to use a shielded BX cable, which I think can only be terminated inside another box. I've never seen a BX cable with a plug on it. The issue is romex and bx are meant to be stationary... they're not rated for any movement once installed (i.e. unplugging/plugging in)

You're best bet would probably be to use a soow cord terminated in the fan box on one end, and a plug on the other. That would be the easiest way to bring it up to code, but in all honesty, I really don't see anything unsafe about how you've done it now if its that high up, inaccessible, and will not be moved.

Don't feel it's unsafe either.
I've done it lots 0 times too.

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[tyme2par4]

You're best bet would probably be to use a soow cord terminated in the fan box on one end, and a plug on the other. That would be the easiest way to bring it up to code, but in all honesty, I really don't see anything unsafe about how you've done it now if its that high up, inaccessible, and will not be moved.

No, SOOW cord wouldn't solve anything. You can't use a cord and plug for a permanent device (ceiling fan). They type of cord doesn't matter.

Please remove the plug from the Romex and connect it inside the box. This type of work just screams shorts cuts bad workmanship and will make anyone want triple check everything else in the house.

Almost every ceiling fan sold today comes with a wireless remote use that to control the fan.

Walta

Obviously this is the correct thing to do.
I can't think of anyway to continue using the plug and still be code compliant. The question is, do you need it to be right now? Is it safe and functional? Sure, for temporary use. I wouldn't leave it like that forever, and if you have any electrical inspection coming up, it would surely fail.

 

[Done That]

I'll probably leave it for now and address it when I put in a ceiling.

The only reason I did not connect it directly inside the exiting box is that I have since added a remote control switch in between the plug/Romex and the outlet to turn the fan on and off. Did this because I got tired of using the pull chain because you have to go through all of the fan speeds each time to get to off, and I felt the pull chain wasn't going to last long being used this way.

I do appreciate the input and suggestions and it will be done correctly in time.

 

[Norcal]

Attachment plugs are stranded wire only to add another reason why it should not be done that way.

 

[nsula_country]

No, SOOW cord wouldn't solve anything. You can't use a cord and plug for a permanent device (ceiling fan). They type of cord doesn't matter.

So, explain how it is acceptable for high bay lights? (For conversation)

For a ceiling fan, I'd hardwire though.

CT

 

[alfredeneuman]

So, explain how it is acceptable for high bay lights? (For conversation)
CT

Plug in high bay lights are supposed to have hooks on the top of them so you can take them down for maintenance or cleaning.

 

[nsula_country]

Plug in high bay lights are supposed to have hooks on the top of them so you can take them down for maintenance or cleaning.

Correct! And most have twist lock plugs too! I just threw this question in for conversation. Male plug on Romex is tacky at best...

CT

 

[n20junkie]

No, SOOW cord wouldn't solve anything. You can't use a cord and plug for a permanent device (ceiling fan). They type of cord doesn't matter.

So, explain how it is acceptable for high bay lights? (For conversation)

For a ceiling fan, I'd hardwire though.

CT

Fixtures hanging on hooks are not considered permanent because it can be removed without tools. A fan screwed to the ceiling is permanent, becuase it takes tools to remove.

Thats how it was always explained to me.

 

[bczygan]

When I need another connection, I run Romex from the device to an outlet and push the black and white wires into the slots. Sometimes they wiggle loose and I have to jam them back in..... !!!

And you just lay the Romex on the floor or along the ground.......Right?

Bill

 

[Done That]

Fixtures hanging on hooks are not considered permanent because it can be removed without tools. A fan screwed to the ceiling is permanent, becuase it takes tools to remove.

Thats how it was always explained to me.

I can remove the fan without tools. Two thumb screws release the canopy cover, then you lift the ball hanger that's on the downrod out of the cradle. Now she's just hanging by the wires.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I can remove the fan without tools. Two thumb screws release the canopy cover, then you lift the ball hanger that's on the downrod out of the cradle. Now she's just hanging by the wires.

Just hanging by the wires doesn't cut it.
The entire fan would have to be removable and just plugged in.....in one place....with the plug.

 

[cybrdyke]

I can remove the fan without tools. Two thumb screws release the canopy cover, then you lift the ball hanger that's on the downrod out of the cradle. Now she's just hanging by the wires.

It's not about using tools, it's about defining whether something is portable or not. If it's portable, you're allowed to use portable cord, like SO or SJ, with a plug. If it's not defined as portable, it needs to be hardwired. Your ceiling fan is not considered portable. Highbays installed with cord & plug are defined as portable.
CD

 

[Shiftless]

CD is right.
More commonly, think about shoplights hanging down on chains that are sold with cords and plugs. They are portable...ceiling fans are not portable.
Just remember that all receptacles, even on the ceiling of a garage or behind your beer fridge, are required to be GFCI protected.

 

[bubinga]

When I need another connection, I run Romex from the device to an outlet and push the black and white wires into the slots. Sometimes they wiggle loose and I have to jam them back in..... !!!

And you just lay the Romex on the floor or along the ground.......Right?

Bill

my grandfather was a local #5 electrician all his life, and could fix anything.
His son was a local 5 electrician as well

He worked temporary light a lot of times, but could do it all.
They put a light on a pole, in ft yard, And in the meantime, had not finished hard-wiring the wire yet.
Hell, he just made a tight 180 on to the end of the romex, and YES, just plugged the wires into an outlet.
lasted 10 years before we got around to hard wiring it, and running a switch loop/switch up to next to the front door.
Never burned nothing down either.
Flame on, I really don't mind.

 

[nsula_country]

Strip it and sticket... That's my motto too!

CT

 

[bubinga]

Strip it and sticket... That's my motto too!

CT

 

[bubinga]

Bill, did you wire my Mom and Dads house in Pa. back in the 60's?

Was it around Pittsburgh?
No!
My Grandfather Probably Did.
he just didn't get around to the Final Hard-wiring...........................L0L

 

[bubinga]

Central Pa.

LOL, No, Not his work.

 

[bubinga]

You can not begin to imagine the plumbing the po had done, some was automotive heater hose and clamps. They moved in in 1959

0MG

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[finn]

my grandfather was a local #5 electrician all his life, and could fix anything.
His son was a local 5 electrician as well

He worked temporary light a lot of times, but could do it all.
They put a light on a pole, in ft yard, And in the meantime, had not finished hard-wiring the wire yet.
Hell, he just made a tight 180 on to the end of the romex, and YES, just plugged the wires into an outlet.
lasted 10 years before we got around to hard wiring it, and running a switch loop/switch up to next to the front door.
Never burned nothing down either.
Flame on, I really don't mind.

Sounds like your grandfather did the wiring on my project house.

I especially liked the way he spliced wires in the walls with wire nuts and wads of electrical tape.

 

[bubinga]

Sounds like your grandfather did the wiring on my project house.

I especially liked the way he spliced wires in the walls with wire nuts and wads of electrical tape.

DON'T TELL ME!
NO!..............He would Never Use a Flying Splice, Unless it was for temporary lighting.
You Say What you want,
That Man Was TOP NOTCH on EVERYTHING he did.
Probably forgot more than You Know.
You May have had a shoemaker wire your house,
Shoemaker he WAS NOT!
Thank You!