from 2008
Q. Can a receptacle for a LCD projector that is cordandplugconnected be located above a suspended ceiling?
A. No. Cords are not permitted to be run through holes in structural or suspended/dropped ceilings [400.8(2)]. They are also not allowed to be concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings, or located above suspended or dropped ceilings [400.8(5)].
400.8 Uses Not Permitted Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:
(1)
As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
(2)
Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
(3)
Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
(4)
Where attached to building surfaces
Exception to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.56(B).
Section 368.56(B) provides the requirements for the installation of flexible cords installed as branches from busways.
(5)
Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
(6)
Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code
Flexible cords and cables are not limited to use with portable equipment. However, 400.8 prohibits the use of flexible cords and cables as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure or where concealed behind building walls, floors, or ceilings (including structural, suspended, or dropped-type ceilings). See 240.5, 590.4(B), and 590.4© for the uses of multiconductor flexible cords for feeder and branch-circuit installations and for overcurrent protection requirements for flexible cord. See 410.62 for cord-connected luminaires.
(7)
Where subject to physical damage