electric code question

"timO'" wrote on 15 Mar 2008 in group alt.home.repair:

The code doesn't matter as much as the inspector's opinion.

I worked for an aerospace company that used extension cords to provide power to desks in a bullpen area -- one cable about as big as my thumb with a metal junction box every eight feet. (Can you tell I'm not an electician?) Someone in the shop was using an extension cord improperly. He was told to get rid of it. It was still there the next time the inspector came, so we were told to remove *every* extension cord in the entire plant -- some sixty buildings. The office areas got official power poles, not a bad thing, and the shop areas got real commercial power runs. Tens of thousands of dollars of expense.

Moral: Don't annoy the inspector.

Use this little calculator:

Length does not matter. You can't use flexible cords as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure. If you are installing temporary power feeds they need to comply with NEC and be removed within 90 days.

Good rule, but it sounds like the inspector is a dick.

Your little calculator is absolutely little, because it leaves out many necessary variables. Try mine at

The 2005 NEC covers temporary installations in Article 590.