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What's Wrong Here?

Nov 8, 2004 10:54 AM, By Joe Tedesco

This makeshift extension cord was constructed, and subsequently used, because there were no grounding type receptacles located nearby.

Per 240.5(3) of the 2002 NEC, “Flexible cord used in listed extension cord sets, or in extension cords made with separately listed and installed components, are permitted to be supplied by a branch circuit of Art. 210 in accordance with the following: 20-ampere circuits — 16 AWG and larger.”

This so-called extension cord doesn’t meet the above criteria because the components used to construct it weren’t designed for this purpose.

This type of portable cord has been the subject of continued dispute because many people around the United States and Canada have no knowledge of the possible hazards associated with the use of equipment that’s not designed to be use in this manner.

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