Exhaust Fan Help

[chatyak]

Would it be safe and acceptable to attach an exhaust fan to a 3 prong grounded plug instead of hard wiring it to an outlet box? I want to learn wiring, but thought instead that I could use something like SOW/SJOW cable:

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/cat/search/_/N-2pqfZ67l/Ne-67n/Ntk-All_EN?Ntt=portable+wire (not sure which cable to pick on that page) 16/3 vs 14/2 etc... 300 vs 600 volt...


Connect it to a grounded plug like so:

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/i.../Ne-67n/Ntk-All_EN/R-I3618366?Ntt=yellow+plug


... and then plug that into my Apex to control it.


I know that extensions cord should not be permanently used, nor can a romex cable be used as an extension, but I read that this type of cable is used for this purpose and is fine.

It's also the way my old metal halides came (just a black rubber cable with no prong on end).

I had to attach them to grounded plugs along with electrical tape.


Would this be fine?

 

[snulma1]

I think as long as you do a good job soldering/twisting and taping it up so its not exposed that should be fine. I would look for a smaller plug tho, that one may block the outlet next to it in your apex.

 

[chatyak]

Will do - good point on the plug.. will look and see if it fits.

 

[zachts]

you might just want to buy a pre made apliance cord, it would be easier and not much more expensive. Plus intended for the purpose. Hardware store should have them in 6' or 10' at least.

I'd also use heatshrink on the connections if they are exposed outside of the fan housing. it's cleaner than tape and doesn't gum up over time.

 

[chatyak]

you might just want to buy a pre made apliance cord, it would be easier and not much more expensive. Plus intended for the purpose. Hardware store should have them in 6' or 10' at least.

I'd also use heatshrink on the connections if they are exposed outside of the fan housing. it's cleaner than tape and doesn't gum up over time.

Very interesting. I am not familiar with the pre made cords nor the heat shrink. What does it do exactly?

Edit: Just googled it - it looks like a wrap you would place the wires/wirecaps in - then use a blow dryer to shrink it down around both of the wires to a snug fit?

 

[uncleof6]

Probably a question best handled by the AHJ. General guideline would be if it is part of the structure, hard wire it. If it is portable, cord and plug. However, the cord could not pass through any opening in the structure, or enter a cabinet, or be attached to the structure in any manner. Same as the Apex itself, cannot be attached to the structure. (See multi-outlet devices--not allowed to be permanently attached to structure/bench/cabinet temporary/continuous use UL or Canadian equiv.) Then there is the case of the attic exhaust fan attached at an attic vent, cord and plug connected. I would lean towards following general guidelines, unless you can get an AHJ (inspector) take on it. Most things linking aquariums to the household service fall in a grey area, though many are specifically prohibited if only by using listed devices inconsistent with their labeling.

In terms of safety, if not specifically prohibited by code, then it can be considered safe. The codes lay out a minimum for safety. Does not make something a good idea in some cases, but none-the-less.

 

[chatyak]

The exhaust fan instructions say to connect it to 120 VAC cord. I picked up 14/3 STJOOW cable rated at 300 Volts from the store, along with a 3 prong plug rated at 15A 125v.

The 14/3 STJOOW (yellow colored) cable says nothing of VAC - just rated for 300 volts. This is the proper cable correct?










To the best of my knowledge, VAC is for voltage alternating current... so a 120 VAC means a cord capable of 120 volts... yes?

 

[DrewPalmer04]

14/3 is for three way switch...14/3 is 3 wires + ground.

14/2 is fine. It'll still have ground.

 

[chatyak]

I thought a 14/3 has 3 wires... for hot, neutral, and ground wire (and each wire respectively is connected to 1 of the 3 slots on the 3-prong plug). Are you saying this is the wrong one to use?

 

[uncleof6]

The 3 in the 1x/3 refers to the number of current carrying conductors in the cable. The grounding "conductor," or equipment ground (green/bare wire) does not count, so there are actually 4 wires in 1x/3 cable. 1x/3 has numerous uses including running two circuits (different legs) with a shared neutral, (example 2 required 20amp circuits for kitchens) and 240/120 or 208/120 circuits, for equipment running at 240 or 208VAC (condos) with 120VAC controls, or simply a light and clock, and such needing a neutral. However "line cords" is not one of the uses. You only need two conductors: the Hot (black) and the grounded conductor or neutral (white) and the equipment ground (green). So what you want is 1x/2. Also SOOW is a better choice rather than "junior" or SJOOW cable. Put simply, SO cord is better than SJO cord.

 

[Paul B]

That 14/3 cable you pictured is perfect. Usually 14/3 means 2 hot wires, a neutral and a ground which would give you 4 wires, but when they package it to people who are not electricians, they sometimes call it 14/3.
Use it, it is fine
(Master electrician 40 years)