Not the usual outlet question

[neilp2006]

Hi all

On the wall where I intend to put my 125, there is an electrical outlet. This is the one I plan to use for running the tank. Other items run on the same circuit amount to only 2.8 amps, everything switched on. Capacity wise I'm doing ok.

Stand will be fully enclosed, and I will be running a heavy duty extension cord from the outlet to a 4 gang gfci box (2x duplex, wired parallel) on the inside of the far left side of the stand. I'll have 2x dj boxes to provide switching, and each will be on a separate gfci fir redundancy. This will all be a dry electronics cabinet sealed from the wet side.

Here's the question- since the tank and stand are essentially immovable, does having the extension cord plugged into the outlet make that a code violation for using plugs inside of walls? Do I need an access panel though the stand wall so I can remove the plug from the receptacle?

I was hoping to push the sump way up against that wall, and it'll cover the spot directly over the receptacle.

I can cut a hole, add a weatherproof outdoor box to the outlet then run my cable inside the stand in a raceway, but wound like to avoid it.

I'm overthinking it, right?

Cheers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sleepydoc]

There's no point in duplicating the GFCIs.

Yes you're overthinking it. My take - the stand is essentialy unmovable, but can be moved and is technically not permanent. As a general practice, making the outlet inaccessible is not a good idea.

 

[neilp2006]

Thanks for the input.

I thought running certain equipment on different gfci outlets was prudent to avoid a total tank shutdown if one trips? Shouldn't I at least have a powerhead on a separate outlet to keep oxygen up if the return goes out?

So- it doesn't matter since I can technically move it, but best to open up the stand and do a weatherproof cover since having it inaccessible isn't a good idea?

Thanks again!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sleepydoc]

Having separate GFCIs in parallel isn't an issue - I thought you had them in series.

You don't necessarily need a weatherproof outlet. If you have that much water splashing you have other issues. I was just pointing out that leaving a used outlet completely inaccessible isn't the best idea


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mcgyvr]

An extension cord is a code violation..
They are intended for temporary use only..

Having 2 GFCI's is totally fine.. But the extension cord is not

 

[neilp2006]

An extension cord is a code violation..
They are intended for temporary use only..

Having 2 GFCI's is totally fine.. But the extension cord is not

Understood- cords are not code, but what do other people do? I doubt many people extend the outlet to a new box via conduit , and plug in there. And people use multi-outlet extensions with timers etc all the time.

I'm thinking I'll extend the outlet using conduit behind the stand and terminate the gfci outlets in a more accessible point.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sleepydoc]

An extension cord is a code violation..
They are intended for temporary use only..

Having 2 GFCI's is totally fine.. But the extension cord is not

Everyone states that extension cords are not allowed by the NEC, but I have yet to find the section that forbids them. Technically, our aquariums are considered temporary, even though they are not very movable.

As a practical matter, every single tank has some sort of extension cord, outlet strip, etc. because there is no other practical means to power the equipment, so to pretend that they can't be used because the NEC is a bit disingenuous IMO.

 

[neilp2006]

I ran into a similar problem when I put new shelves in the pantry. I wanted to run the wire for the microwave (higher load than tvs etc, so I was looking into how) into the drywall, down 5 feet and back out next to an outlet. I was getting the runaround about this being a code violation, that I can't pass an extension cord through the wall etc. no one could point to an NEC prohibiting use in the way I intended- basically like one of those flatscreen wall mount hidden cable channels. I ended up using 1.5 inch desk grommets for the holes in and out. I can remove that extension cord faster than I can get to the one behind the tv.

But, I don't like the idea of having the plug/ receptacle end inaccessible, so I'll probably run conduit behind the stand to a convenient spot.

Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sleepydoc]

I ran into a similar problem when I put new shelves in the pantry. I wanted to run the wire for the microwave (higher load than tvs etc, so I was looking into how) into the drywall, down 5 feet and back out next to an outlet. I was getting the runaround about this being a code violation, that I can't pass an extension cord through the wall etc. no one could point to an NEC prohibiting use in the way I intended- basically like one of those flatscreen wall mount hidden cable channels. I ended up using 1.5 inch desk grommets for the holes in and out. I can remove that extension cord faster than I can get to the one behind the tv.

But, I don't like the idea of having the plug/ receptacle end inaccessible, so I'll probably run conduit behind the stand to a convenient spot.

From the NEC:
400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:
(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

 

[neilp2006]

Interestingly, this got passed by city inspector as being ok, since it was clearly easily accessible and removeable. A lot of this stuff apparently ends up being 'in the spirit of' instead of 'by the letter of the law'.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mcgyvr]

Everyone states that extension cords are not allowed by the NEC, but I have yet to find the section that forbids them. Technically, our aquariums are considered temporary, even though they are not very movable.

As a practical matter, every single tank has some sort of extension cord, outlet strip, etc. because there is no other practical means to power the equipment, so to pretend that they can't be used because the NEC is a bit disingenuous IMO.

While I never said NEC..I believe its actually part of the UL requirements for extension cords to be marked/listed for temporary use only and then NEC states things must be used per their UL listing/ratings/requirements.. Standards are a whole spider web of reference this then reference that..blah blah..

I believe NEC also defines temporary use as up to 90 days..
Temporary isn't about being movable.. Its a time span.

In "industry/commercial work" its also an OSHA violation to use an extension cord for anything more than temporary use.

Multi-Outlet power strips do not fall under the same UL requirement as an extension cord and thus can be used in a permanent application..