sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information UPS and extension cords.

I always install my phone systems with a UPS that usually has a
6ft power cord. Could a fire marshal consider this an extension
cord?

Is the power cord part of the UPS?

Yes.

A lot depends on the AHJ, but as long as the cord is 6' and an integral part of the unit, then probably not.

Some times the fire marshals or electrical inspectors WANT cords (for an easy disconnect).

Sam

Except in New York City, where extension cords are illegal.

A UPS is listed as an "Appliance." Therefore, a cord and plug are required for connection to the electrical outlet. When the UPS becomes larger than 4000 VA or is 3 phase, then it has to be hard wired. I have seen installers fake it with a large UPS and a piece of SJ and a twist lock, but if the unit comes without a cord and plug, it should be "hard wired."

Rcaman

Arthur-

Only if permanently installed. But I don't think a mounting cord in this situation is considered an extension cord.

Sam

I agree completely.

Sam

UL 1778 is the standard. You can look through it Here Start reading at page 37.

Rcaman

Sam, I agree. I once brought a nice 50 foot extension cord to a union job site. The Local 3 guy on the site offered to make me an extension cord, telling me that the one I had brought was not up to code. I declined his offer.

The next morning, my extension cord was in a pile, having been cut up into exactly 50, one-foot pieces. The electrician then made me an extension cord from a spool of wire and two ends, and charged the customer. At the end of the day, he came and cut up his cord, and told me that in the morning, he would be happy to make me a new one, since the first one he made "was worn out and unsafe."

And so it went, day after day...