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Convenience outlets around layout

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  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Moneta, VA USA
  • 1,175 posts
Posted by gdelmoro on Sunday, May 27, 2018 10:54 AM

I agree with the metal cover plate.  also, I’m assuming you know how to install wiring and outlets.  As ed points out you need to have proper grounds.

Gary

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Sunday, May 27, 2018 10:44 AM

I'm noting here that I'm not endorsing what you're doing.

But.

You should be using romex clamps, as pictured above.

You should be running a ground wire to the metal box, and to the receptacle.

You should be doing everything in "a neat and workmanlike manner".

Get the book "Wiring Simplified".  Make sure anything you do doesn't violate the concepts you read about in the book.

The receptacle you're plugging this assembly into should be a GFI receptacle.

 

If you do all of that, I guess I can accept it.

 

 

Ed

 

PS:  If you're mounting the boxes onto a surface, don't use plastic plates, as in the picture above.  Use a Raco 864, or equivalent:

 

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Moneta, VA USA
  • 1,175 posts
Posted by gdelmoro on Sunday, May 27, 2018 10:29 AM

Is each outlet in an electrical box (metal better than plastic)? Is the Rome’s secured in the outlet box with a box connector? If so you’re good unless that particular circuit is now overloaded.  If it is one of the breakers in your house panel will be tripping.

Outlet box and cover

romex connector

Gary

  • Member since
    August 2013
  • From: Richmond, VA
  • 1,890 posts
Posted by carl425 on Sunday, May 27, 2018 10:16 AM

7j43k
I do get the feeling from the description that it may not have been done as well as it should have been.  Photos would likely clear that up.

Sorry, no photos since the layout has been torn down.  The Romex was stapled every 12" or less to the rear girder (which was against the wall), then routed 90 degrees out to the outlets on the front and back to the rear for the run to the next outlet.  Wires to the outlet came through a 1" hole in the girder and into the back of the box.  The outer insulation of the Romex was always intact until it was inside the outlet box.  Conductors were stripped just enough to get under the screws of the receptacle - I don't trust the backstabbers).

I'm interested in whatever suggestions you have for next time.

I have the right to remain silent.  By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Sunday, May 27, 2018 9:51 AM

Since it's attached only to a piece of "custom furniture", it probably is.  If it were attached to be building, it would not be.

I do get the feeling from the description that it may not have been done as well as it should have been.  Photos would likely clear that up.

 

Ed

 

  • Member since
    August 2013
  • From: Richmond, VA
  • 1,890 posts
Convenience outlets around layout
Posted by carl425 on Sunday, May 27, 2018 9:38 AM

All the electrical code discussion has me wondering if what I did was kosher.

On my last layout I put a grounded plug on the end of a piece of Romex, then daisy chained 4 surface mount outlets around the front of the layout.  I mounted the outlets on the front of the web of my L-girders.  This was plugged in to a standard wall outlet like an extension cord.

Is this legit?  It was handy to have an outlet available close to where I was working so my plan was to do it again on the new layout.

I have the right to remain silent.  By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.

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