Code Q&A

Q. Is there a section in the Code that restricts the use of power strips? A. No. The NEC is an installation standard, not a product standard. The use of listed relocatable power taps (power strips) should be in accordance with the instructions provided ...

Mike Holt

Nov. 23, 2004

Q. Is there a section in the Code that restricts the use of power strips?

A. No. The NEC is an installation standard, not a product standard. The use of listed relocatable power taps (power strips) should be in accordance with the instructions provided with the relocatable power tap. According to UL.com, relocatable power taps are:

• Listed for indoor use
• Not permitted to be used for series connection (daisy chained) to other relocatable power taps or to extension cords.
• Not permitted to be permanently secured to building structures, tables, workbenches, or similar structures.
• Not to be used with medical, dental, or health-care facilities equipment.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.