According to volts500 :
That rule is intended to prevent you using flex cords and cables for permanent (ie: in wall, supplying receptacles etc) wiring.
If you surface mount a ceiling fan and put a cord on it, it's not "wiring of a structure" any more than hanging a recharging electric razor on a hook.
No but there is a code against passing flexible cords through holes in walls and floors...
It's hack wiring, period. Actually, it's hack wiring at it's _best_ since, obviously, some people, through their misunderstanding of basic NEC rules, seem to think that it's OK. You'll _never_ find an electrical inspector who will pass such an installation. Like I said, the general rule is that flexible cord shall _not_ be used as a substitute for fixed wiring. The fact that the extension cord passes through the ceiling is reason enough to disallow the installation. With your line of thinking one could wire the entire attic with extension cords as long as one used cord caps and receptacles.......NOT. Why not just use zip cord? Better yet, baling wire?
Pick up the phone, call _any_ certified electrical inspector (AHJ). You'll soon find that your interpretation of the "intent" of the NEC is mistaken. The "intent" also includes ceilings. Try reading all of 400.8. Better yet, find _one_ electrical inspector in the US who will pass such an installation. Just the fact that the cord passes through the ceiling is enough to disallow it, which happens to be the second rule of Section 400.8:
400.8 Uses not permitted. "(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors."
It may be hack wiring, whatever that is. However, "my line of thinking" didn't indicate anything about how things should be wired, the NEC rules, or whatever other fantasy you wish to invent. My comment only repeated what the OP said was the condition. I don't believe he said the cord passed through the ceiling either. I could see how the flexible cord wouldn't need to run the cord through any hole in the ceiling.
So, what's your point then?
How else is the cord going to get from a receptacle in the attic to a room below the ceiling?
400-8. Uses Not Permitted ...(2) where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors; (3) where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings; (4) where attached to building surfaces; (5) where concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors....
Best regards, Bob
The point was his description was not an example of "hardwired" just a long extension cord.
On most ceiling fixtures the box is mounted above the ceiling with the mouth of the box even with the ceiling surface. The wire comes into the box above the ceiling, so technically it end in the box and does not pass through a hole in the ceiling.
That is certainly a more complete description of what is not allowed. Thanks Bob. Regardless of whether wiring described by the op acceptable or not, the description of the wire in an open attic wouldn't appear that even (5) would apply and (1) would appear doubtful.
Is it not hardwired at one end?
Running the extension cord into a box leaves no doubt that the cord was used as a substitute for fixed wiring, which is not permitted.
I don't know what's supposed to be wrong with flexible cord, so long as it's used within its current rating. Actually, 400-7a says it can for "(7) prevention of the transmission of noise and vibration."
I once made the mistake of calling an electrical supplier in advance and having them cut me a length of #12 cord to make a heavy duty extention cord, and I didn't realize the significance of the 'J' in the cord type. I think I got STO cord. It was so big (about 5/8" diameter) I couldn't get the ends on it.
Bob
A ceiling fan is a fixed device. The box it hangs from is certianly fixed to the building. Feeding this with an extention cord is a violation no matter how you attempt to lawyer-speak your way out of it.
According to volts500 :
Your toaster is hardwired at one end.
The OP didn't say that the extension cord was wired into a box.
According to HA HA Budys Here :
So is a garage door opener, a stove, or dryer. Almost always cord-connected these days. My undercounter dishwasher is also cord connected.
What box? Was there a box?
The fan could have been surface mounted with a backplate.
Everyone has the right to be stupid, but you are abusing the privilage.
Everyone has he right to be an anal-retentive dreamer who lives in a world where everything is 100% to code. You are doing good at it, keep up the good work.
Don't sweat it Tomi Boi, when discussing _anything_ electricial, you're still the leading idiot in this NG.
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