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Rdb12389 t1_j228l0e wrote

Reply to comment by Guygan in 120v Extension Cord with USB outlets by HardSn0wCrash

Yeah….no. It’s assembled from off the shelf UL listed components in a code compliant way. Box, outlet, 1/2” npt cord pass through, regular NEMA 5-15 plug. Grounded the box. There’s nothing to worry about there.

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bms42 t1_j22fzhn wrote

As far as I'm aware you cannot wire up a 110v receptacle to a stranded wire in a non-fixed location, so the fact the individual components are UL listed is irrelevant - this is definitely not code compliant.

It's also probably perfectly safe under reasonable use, but the problem with people is that they're unreasonable.

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nye1387 t1_j22gw5x wrote

"the problem with people is that they're unreasonable."

No truer words

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Apotropaic_Sphinx t1_j22so7g wrote

> As far as I'm aware you cannot wire up a 110v receptacle to a stranded wire in a non-fixed location

Sure you can. As long as the outlet and the wire are rated for the intended load, and the environment they are to be used in (wet/dry.) Also grounded properly in case of metal faceplates (which OP did.) Stranded wire is fine.

>This is definitely not code compliant.

Which code? Care to share the reference?

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nivek_c t1_j23zou1 wrote

NEC 400.7 the 11 listed uses for flexible cable. This is definitely a code violation. Item 11 in the list is the one you want

  1. Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this application.
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Apotropaic_Sphinx t1_j25gft4 wrote

Well, good on you for actually providing the ref. It's actually 400.10 now as of 2023 but the wording is basically the same.

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nivek_c t1_j25il10 wrote

Yea I'm not even remotely familiar with the 2023 revisions, my jurisdiction is still on 2017 lol. I suppose I better get a copy and start reviewing

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Lee2026 t1_j23pq8c wrote

What you describe is a drop outlet and it exists/is for sale commercially

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nsa_reddit_monitor t1_j22owm5 wrote

I've seen desk lamps with built in 120v outlets in several hotels.

Also, nearly all UL listed power strips use stranded wire.

So I'd hazard a guess that it doesn't really matter.

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chopsuwe t1_j232lrq wrote

My understanding is that stranded wire isn't suitable for use with American outlets as it it tends to squish out from under the screw head when tightened. As long as it can be connected securely it's fine.

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Graygem t1_j23yzao wrote

This outlet uses the screw down clamps, the wire isn't directly under the screw. It will secure stranded wire just fine.

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Justhavingfun888 t1_j22cesa wrote

That may be but you still assembled them and the unit has not been certified. In industrial settings we made our own extension cords and they needed to be inspected by the electrical authority prior to use. They put a pretty sticker on it and shot the shit to kill time. But, really, who cares and nice work!

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Rdb12389 t1_j22dd2z wrote

Haha. Yeah. They love to do that in the industrial space. You would only seek UL certification as a product if you were actually selling them as a single device.

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nivek_c t1_j22j72u wrote

Lamp cord to receptacle = code violations unless

A) this is a temporary power setup that was installed by a qualified electrician

B) the entire assembly is submitted to UL and approved

Technically what op did is illegal and would make them criminally liable in my state for doing electrical work without a license (18 months, 10k fine), and civilly liable for five figures worth of willful building code violations. If the device actually caused a fire or bodily harm it gets way way worse

Point is: this behavior is dumb and shouldn't be encouraged on this subreddit. Teach people to do things the right way, don't encourage them to break laws and put others at risk.

Edit: anyone who wants to argue the code, go review chapter 3 of the NEC and show me where it lists flexible cord as an appropriate wiring method, or maybe go read the 11 accepted uses for flexible cord outlined in 400.7

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nsa_reddit_monitor t1_j22r9co wrote

The NEC doesn't apply though because it covers things like building wiring and doesn't regulate stuff users plug in to that wiring later.

It doesn't make sense anyways. You'd have to also argue that I'd face building code violations if I gifted someone a no-brand power strip from Aliexpress, because I guarantee a lot of those aren't UL listed.

OP's devices would likely be an OSHA violation, but that just means they can't be used in a workplace.

Basically, this is legal because it's not covered by the NEC, it's not in OSHA's jurisdiction, and UL listing isn't required by law.

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nivek_c t1_j23xtv3 wrote

Nec absolutely does regulate what you can do with flexible cord, see my edit for the appropriate sections in the code book to reference. Number 11 on the list of appropriate uses in 400.7 is where you will find the exact wording that specifically prohibits this device.

And no it's not legal, not even in the slightest. you cannot wire electrical devices for use outside your own home without an electricians license or working directly under someone with one, full stop. you cannot create devices that intentionally violate the NEC, regardless of if they're for use in your own home or someone else's, full stop.

Edit: since I don't actually expect you to read 400.7, here's the part you should be concerned with

Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this application.

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