Pendant Duplex Outlet

[JGirard]

Is hanging an FS box or a "Bell Box" with Kellum hung off a SO cord with a duplex outlet and bubble cover approved?

I see this done often but I don't believe it's approved, unless the box is pendant rated, am I right?

I've asked other electricians and usually get "that's done that way all the time."

 

[PaulMmn]

At a number of convention-type venues it's common for power to be supplied to individual display booths with a cord dropped down from the ceiling with a quad box at the business end. Exhibitors plug their stuff into the quad box. I've only had to deal with boxes that actually hit the floor, but that seemed to be adjustable, depending on how much cord the setup guy feeds through the ceiling.

Once again, "it's done that way much of the time."

 

[LarryFine]

Can you give us more detail? Temp or permanent? What's it supplying? What will be directly beneath it?

 

[NTesla76]

I've seen that done numerous times, but me thinks there may be an OSHA rule against it. I'm not 100% positive on that. May depend on the application.

 

[kwired]

I sort of have no issue with it, however don't like to see 1900 boxes and similar used because extra KO's seem to get punched out over time even if not intentional. That said I don't believe it is compliant because even the FS and "bell boxes are not listed for use as a pendant supported box.

FS type boxes can be raceway supported, but must be supported by at least two entering raceways.

 

[zbang]

I'm a big fan of using the Woodhead 3000 series boxes for this, not exactly cheap, but right for the purpose.

 

[hbiss]

I don't believe that 1900 and FS boxes are listed for pendent support. FS boxes are heavy, 1900s have holes in them and, as noted, the KOs can be pushed in.

I agree that Woodhead 3000 series are the way to go.

-Hal