Where to plug in an office projector mounted on the suspended ceiling

[jar546]

Many conference rooms in office buildings and other commercial establishments have projectors mounted on suspended ceilings, often with a lot of data cable hooked up too. Is it acceptable to have the receptacle that serves the projector permanently mounted inside/above the ceiling?

So, is the receptacle the issue or does it become an issue when they plug in the projector?

What code sections cover this installation?

 

[steveray]

Its the cord that is likely to not be allowed above the ceiling.....408ish maybe....And the listing....

 

[Paul Sweet]

Flexible cords are not allowed to be run through a hole in a ceiling. 2014 NEC 400.8(2)

 

[SCBO1]

Is it acceptable to have the receptacle that serves the projector permanently mounted inside/above the ceiling? So, is the receptacle the issue or does it become an issue when they plug in the projector? What code sections cover this installation?

A receptacle is permitted above the drop ceiling, Its the cord that's not permitted, NEC 400.8 (2) and (5). Same thing when the bar owner wants to punch a hole in the CT for his Bud light window sign.

 

[ICE]

400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings

 

[steveray]

Unless specifically permitted in 400.7,

 

[ICE]

There's nothing in 400.7 that would change the result.

 

[jar546]

There's nothing in 400.7 that would change the result.

Wiring of Luminaires

 

[ICE]

It is a bit of a stretch to label a projector as a luminaire. However, 400.7 includes luminaires and 400.8 removes it's restrictions simply because 400.7 includes luminaires. I think that we would be better served if 400.8 enumerated the restrictions that are waived. For example, "above or through a suspended ceiling" seems like no big deal....."Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings" is taking it too far. How about "Where run through holes in walls"?

 

[jar546]

It is a bit of a stretch to label a projector as a luminaire. However, 400.7 includes luminaires and 400.8 removes it's restrictions simply because 400.7 includes luminaires. I think that we would be better served if 400.8 enumerated the restrictions that are waived. For example, "above or through a suspended ceiling" seems like no big deal....."Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings" is taking it too far. How about "Where run through holes in walls"?

yeah, no one is saying that a projector is a luminaire. You were asking about how 400.7 would not change the result but it could for luminaires. That's all.