Mike, Ericson Mfg. makes a rubber(?) deep single or 2 gang pendant box specifically for cord drops where moving work stations and tables for machine repair is necessary (per code). My question is: When we use this device in a pendant installation should we find a strain-relief for the top of the Ericson box along with the upper cord near the box entrance? The Ericson box has a 2 screw clamp like a Woodhead 15 amp cord end. Thanks!

As to the device,or duplex, are the ground's to be installed to the top not the bottom of the outlet box.

Looking at the picture, it looks like you are using a standard knock-out box. I'm aware of two situations where OSHA fines were charged for this practice. The inspector stated that a person could easily push the knock-out into energized conductors when the box is used this way.

Mike, Does the ground on a 120v duplex outlet need to be oriented in the top/up position in a vetical wall. thanks

The receptacle needs 2 screws.

Mike, I noticed that you are explaining how a receptacle on a cord should be suspended that good, But you have the wrong drawing for the receptacle in the 4" square box. this outlet should have the screws attached for the yoke or strap of the receptacle attached to the cover on the mulberry type plate not just the center screw. Correct??

I think it important to point out that the cord cannot pass through a wall or ceiling, in particular a suspended ceiling. NEC 400.8

I believe, the Figure 406-1 is showing a disqualified box for the application. The box has several knockouts; generally these knockouts are gone after a short period of usage. The boxes with knockout are only suitable for a permanent/recessed installation not for a receptacle mounted in a box supported by a pendant flexible cord or even surface mounted applications. What do you think?

We have these type of cords used throughout our facility to connect machinery in our machine shop (lathes, mills) with the quad boxes as shown and secured to a surface. Recently a corporate audit cited us for their use as they were not considered permanent wiring. They cited 400.7, Permitted use. Any comments? I am not an electrician. I am in the safety group.

I was under the impression that you couldn't use a box with prepunched holes as shown for a hanging pendant.

Mike 314.23(H)(1) not only requires the conductors to be protected against strain, but it also requires the connector, protecting the conductors against strain, to be threaded into the a box with a hub. The threaded hub required by 314.23(A)(1) would have be part of the box, in Figure 406-1, the 4 square box shown is without a threaded hub.

Hello Mike, I'm not an electrician, but it seems that I remember that a receptacle box suspended from a flexible cord should be constructed of non-metalic materials and not have knock-outs. Does Article 370-15(a) or 370-23(b)apply here? Please point me in the right direction

Hi Mike. I was looking at your pictorial Figure 406-1 (pendant receptacle) and noticed a Code violation in the raised cover. The cover must have screws supporting the duplex receptacle, one at each end of the receptacle that penetrates the cover.

When the pendant terminates in a lighting fixture I can see what 314.23 is about. This application to 406.4 makes me wonder if 400.8(1) is ignored or if the AHJ would have to make a judgment of intent.

The box shown, in the provided illustration, isn’t a box with a HUB and therefore does not comply with requirements of Section 314.23 (H) (1). 314.23 (H) Pendant Boxes An enclosure supported by a pendant shall comply with 314.23(H)(1) or (H)(2). (1) Flexible Cord A box shall be supported from a multiconductor cord or cable in an approved manner that protects the conductors against strain, such as a strain-relief connector threaded into a box with a hub.