[bbwebb]

Are there any code restrictions when it comes to the installation of floor outlets? Am I required to use the brass encased outlets that I typically see at HD? I would prefer to just install standard wall outlets since they will be covered by my recliners.


Do these rules also hold true for outlets installed in the front of a carpeted riser?


Thanks

Bill

 

[curtisG]

I'm not sure what the NEC code says, but the fact that you can possibly spill a soda can or other liquid onto the floor, and that this could easily fill into the floor box and cause some damage or even a fire isn't worth it IMO.


Pay the extra $$ for an approved floor mounted box and have the piece of mind. HD sells a duplex 'kit' floor box + receptacle (plastic) for $28.00.



--curtis

 

[RGrim]

I just went threw the same question and one of the builders which is going to help me with my new room said that if I run electricity threw out my riser, that is a requirement, atleast in the county I live in.

 

[Larry Fine]

From the 2002 NEC:
Quote:

314.27(C) Floor Boxes. Boxes listed specifically for this application shall be used for receptacles located in the floor. Exception: Where the authority having jurisdiction judges them free from likely exposure to physical damage, moisture, and dirt, boxes located in elevated floors of show windows and similar locations shall be permitted to be other than those listed for floor applications. Receptacles and covers shall be listed as an assembly for this type of location.

My interpretation is that standard boxes, receptacles, and plates will be adequate for this application, since the receptacles will be covered by stationary objects. I would recommend metal plates, though.

 

[GRBoomer]

I was just in a +$1.2M house that was completed in November. It had outlets on the office floor and the great room floor. The outlets were standard outdoor electrical units with metal gasketed covers. Just like you would put on the side of your house. I did find one problem with this though. Wall cubes do not work well, and plugs especially power strip plugs may interfere with the cover if the cord exits the wrong sode of the molded plug. Easy solutions to fix though.

 

[curtisG]

Quote:

Originally posted by GRBoomer I was just in a +$1.2M house that was completed in November...

Starter home, huh!


Larry Fine - thanks for the NEC quote. But why isn't the NEC code made available on-line anywhere? It would be nice for homeowners to be able to search through it.


--curtis

 

[bbwebb]

Thanks Larry, I agree metal plates are a must. I think I'll just go with the standard outlet and then the inspector can tell me to change them if he wants


Bill

 

[Clarence]

Section 10 of this PDF:
Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT) Application Handbook per the ‘02 NEC

includes that section of the code, and looks like good reading (with pictures )


And here's another PDF specifically for Floor Boxes , which also generically references that section of the code.

 

[LarryChanin]

Quote:

Originally posted by curtisG Pay the extra $$ for an approved floor mounted box and have the piece of mind. HD sells a duplex 'kit' floor box + receptacle (plastic) for $28.00.

Hi,


I'm not an electrician or inspector, but these heavy-duty PVC floor boxes seem to me to be perfect for a riser application where the seating is going to prevent the box from being subjected to foot traffic


They are certainly much more sturdy than a conventional wall mounted box, but more economical than a bronze floor box.


That's what I used. Refer to attached photo.


Larry

 

[BarryO]

Quote:

Originally posted by curtisG But why isn't that code made available on-line anywhere? It would be nice for homeowners to be able to search through it.

You can download it online from the organization that wrote it, the NFPA. www.nfpa.org.


The charge for it. They spend alot of money to generate each new edition, so they expect some compensation.


IMHO anyone doing electrical work, even DIY'ers, should have a copy.

 

[Larry Fine]

I have both the '99 and '02 NEC on CD, and in my computer, in PDF format. That's where I get the text I cut'n'paste when I quote the code. I got it from my best friend, the EE.
Quote:

Originally posted by BarryO IMHO anyone doing electrical work, even DIY'ers, should have a copy.

Agreed.

 

[curtisG]

Quote:

Originally posted by BarryO You can download it online from the organization that wrote it, the NFPA. www.nfpa.org. The charge for it. They spend alot of money to generate each new edition, so they expect some compensation. IMHO anyone doing electrical work, even DIY'ers, should have a copy.

But at $120.00, that is not cheap.

http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product....05&src=catalog


Many other regs (e.f. CFR's, etc..) are available freely.


Safety through obscurity...


--curtis

 

[curtisG]

Huum, not sure what the difference is between these two, but this is somewhat cheaper at $58.50

http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product....ry&src=catalog


--curtis

 

[bbwebb]

Here's an explanation of the differences:


I see that they sell both books as a set and they differentiate between them as one being hardbound and one being softbound.


Bil

 

[curtisG]

Quote:

Originally posted by bbwebb Here's an explanation of the differences: I see that they sell both books as a set and they differentiate between them as one being hardbound and one being softbound. Bil

I believe it says Softbound and Handbook, not Hardbound. Plus they sell them as a set too.


--curtis

 

[bbwebb]

Not sure what happened to that last post of mine. I saw that they sold them as a set and I pasted the link in place and deleted the last sentence . Guess that's what I get for replying to a post at 6:00am on a Saturday.


Anyways, here's the link:
http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product....ll&src=catalog


Main differences:

* First off, you'll receive the 50th edition of the NEC, with the latest requirements for today's electrical equipment and technology. The 2005 NEC is loaded with solutions designed to provide better safeguards, add greater usability, and bring provisions inline with technology trends. Easy to take anywhere, the softbound format is constructed to hold up to heavy use. (Softbound, approx. 725 pages, 2005)


* Boost your knowledge about electrical safety with the Hardcover 2005 NEC Handbook . In this must-have reference, you'll find color-coded commentary, examples, and answers to frequently asked questions about NEC use. The Handbook also includes complete 2005 NEC text and 500 illustrations and photos, including full-color graphics . ( Hardbound, approx. 1,250 pp., 2005)


Bill

 

[Larry Fine]

Before ordering any code books, find out from each department of your local authority which version of each code they are presently using.


Even though the 2005 is out, they just adopted the 1999 (!) NEC here in Virginia on 10/1/03. I'm sure the 2008 will be out before we graduate to the 2002.