Extension cords in a 'permanent' application

[Michael W. Gault]

New Construction using an extension cord to plug in both garage door openers - how would you call it out?...

[Michael W. Gault]

Here's a little better picture...

[Michael Larson]

Temporary cords used as permanent wiring.

[bzimbelman]

Mike -

From the photo what I'm seeing is a case where the outlet has been placed next to the opener, but the opener's cord doesn't reach because the ceiling is too farther from the opener then the cord is long. Is that correct?

I routinely call out extension cords for ceiling fans and garage door openers where the extension cord runs all the way to a wall, then down the wall and into an outlet, as that is improper wiring and unsafe. But in this case, I don't see a problem, as from what I can see there is no way to supply power to the garage door opener which is better then what they chose, and it's not an unsafe or improper use of an extension cord since the cord isn't hanging in a way in which it is likely to be caught or damaged. I am making the assumption that the garage door opener is fairly high, out of reach to normal individuals of course.

Hope that helps!

-- bz

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Extension cords are specifically listed for temporary use only. The tag, next to the plug, says it all - not allowed.

[bzimbelman]

Originally Posted by jpope

Extension cords are specifically listed for temporary use only. The tag, next to the plug, says it all - not allowed.

Ok, so what would be the solution without an extension cord in this case?

[Michael W. Gault]

Agree with Jeff, but kinda agree with Brain too... I'm torn.

The height of the ceiling (slab plan built on a crawlspace with 'racquetball court' garage ceilings) allows only one way to wire it from the opener - Cut and install a new 'pig tail' for the opener...

And they have tried very hard to use a heavy duty (same gauge as the cord or better) extension cord as well as having tried to protect it from any physical damage...

Any other thoughts??

Thanks for the ones listed...

[Larry D. Kage]

Could probably drop a receptacle to it from above properly.

[Michael W. Gault]

Originally Posted by lkage

Could probably drop a receptacle to it from above properly.

Larry,
Can you elaborate on this?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by bzimbelman

Ok, so what would be the solution without an extension cord in this case?

A longer cord-and-plug assembly would be a reasonable solution.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by jpope

A longer cord-and-plug assembly would be a reasonable solution.

And so would a properly installed and supported pendant.

[bzimbelman]

Originally Posted by jpope

A longer cord-and-plug assembly would be a reasonable solution.

Both this and Larry's solutions do make a slight improvement over the existing installation. I'm still not totally convinced I'd make a big deal out of it though. From what I see here regularly, this is far better then most. I'd probably tell the client it's not an issue, then write it up.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Yep. A cord-pendant would work as well. . .

[Michael W. Gault]

I'll offer both solutions as potentail 'fixes' to the 'problem'...

Thanks guys...

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by mgault

Larry,
Can you elaborate on this?

http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticle...cepticle.shtml