This makeshift extension cord was constructed, and subsequently used, because there were no grounding type receptacles located nearby.
Per 240.5(3) of the 2002 NEC, “Flexible cord used in listed extension cord sets, or in extension cords made with separately listed and installed components, are permitted to be supplied by a branch circuit of Art. 210 in accordance with the following: 20-ampere circuits — 16 AWG and larger.”
This so-called extension cord doesn’t meet the above criteria because the components used to construct it weren’t designed for this purpose.
This type of portable cord has been the subject of continued dispute because many people around the United States and Canada have no knowledge of the possible hazards associated with the use of equipment that’s not designed to be use in this manner.
About the Author
Joe Tedesco
Tedesco served the industry in many roles during his career. He was a director, senior electrical code instructor for National Technology Transfer, Inc. and American Trainco, Inc.. He was also a codes, standards and seminar specialist for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors and an electrical field service specialist for the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass. He ran his own business as an NEC consultant and is a Massachusetts licensed master electrician and journeyman electrician and certified electrical inspector (one and two family 2A; General 2B, and Plan Review, 2C). Tedesco also wrote articles for CEE News and EC&M (Code Violations Illustrated and What's Wrong Here?) for more than 15 years and helped launched the Moving Violations video series.