DIY flat extension cord?

[Hem Jung]

Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip? My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high. Maybe
I could make one? Thanks in advance.

[Ralph Mowery]

In article <s3vddo$gnt$1...@dont-email.me>, he...@netco.net says...

Have you seen the floor protectors ? Rubber pieces that are a few
inches wide that the cord goes under ?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand-Wiremold-Corduct-5-ft-1-Channel-
Over-Floor-Cord-Protector-Black-CDBK-5/205485211

There are many variations of this.

[Ralph Phillips]

To which I'd add the cheap version, Gaffer Tape.

(In a dire pinch, duck tape or even duct tape can be used ... )

RwP

[Peter W.]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cordinate-10-ft-Tan-PVC-Cord-Cover-43002/203716817?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-203716817-_-N

here is a 10-foot (3 meter) version, and for outdoor use:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Guardian-2-Channel-Drop-Over-Cable-Protector-Ramp-for-1-375-in-Dia-Cables-DH-CR-5/313246197

And, there are always these:

https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Hubbell-Rf151Dtr-15A-125V-Brs-Floor-Box/6159433?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmIuDBhDXARIsAFITC_51myvH7a21kPkPQ3sYCF5Ufp4EaIWFHsGLCXvf1oZ9UwnYQho4sWMaAlhqEALw_wcB

And for the well-heeled, needing flexibility:

https://www.grainger.com/product/14N918?ef_id=Cj0KCQjwmIuDBhDXARIsAFITC_5OY0fCXlVrmKLTcssTWf0bmVo-wlbPkuKjG0tVISzS0zDU8qNRZSoaAoWvEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!281698275255!!!g!471571925921!&gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2295:4P7A1P:20501231&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmIuDBhDXARIsAFITC_5OY0fCXlVrmKLTcssTWf0bmVo-wlbPkuKjG0tVISzS0zDU8qNRZSoaAoWvEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

We use a lot of the last for the mechanics. Good stuff!

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA

[Rich]

You don't state your location, but do note that at least in the USA, it
is a violation of the electrical code to utilize an extension cord as a
substitute for permanent wiring. So, if you are in the USA, and if
this is a temporary thing, you'll be ok. But if are in the USA and you
might plan to make this permanent you will fail a future electrical
inspection should one occur.

[micky]

In sci.electronics.repair, on Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:43:04 -0400, Hem Jung

<he...@netco.net> wrote:

>Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
>use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
>wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip? My foot

Put a rug over it. Even magazines or those large padded shipping
envelopes will work in a pinch.

[legg]

On Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:43:04 -0400, Hem Jung <he...@netco.net> wrote:

I sometimes run temporary cabling above human traffic, but never
anything carrying line power - There are permanent wall/cieling
outlets in the lab.

For short periods, I've run flexible power cable on the floor,
fixed into position at right angles to traffic by hazard tape.

For anything permanent, get the proper wiring done.

RL

[Rob]

Strange that such a statement would be in the code. Nothing is permanent.

[Peter W.]

On Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 5:28:38 PM UTC-4, micky wrote:

> Put a rug over it. Even magazines or those large padded shipping
> envelopes will work in a pinch.

This has to be one of the most insane pieces of advice ever given - excepting those from Jimmy Neutron. This approaches the quality of advice around using aluminum cans to cover holes in an automotive firewall.

[legg]

Have you read your local/national electrical code?

How about the warning tag on your last purchased extension cord?

RL

[Bill Gill]

For short term use when I was displaying my book scanner at the
Tulsa Maker Faire, a one day event, I plugged the extension
cord into the provided in-the-floor outlet and then taped it to
the floor. Gaffer tape is preferred, but duct tape or even
masking tape will do.

Bill

[Rich]

https://www.memic.com/workplace-safety/safety-net-blog/2020/august/extension-attention---avoiding-extension-cord-hazards

National Electrical Code (NEC) does not allow extension cords in
lieu of permanent wiring (NEC 400.8(1) - 2014 Version).

https://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com/forum/threads/nj-nec-400-8.5437/

Article 400

Flexible Cords and Cables

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)

(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

(7) Where subject to physical damage

[Stephen Wolstenholme]

On Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:43:04 -0400, Hem Jung <he...@netco.net> wrote:

I have seen flat mains extension cable for under carpets at £69 a
meter. I wouldn't trust it with powered carpet tacking tools.

Steve
--
http://www.npsnn.com

[Rob]

Ok the second one refers to "fixed" and elaborates that use cases where
it would be like the fixed wiring are not permitted, that is reasonable.

The first one probably should have read "in lieu of fixed wiring".

[Rob]

I have not purchased extension cords for several decades, but one that
I have here does not mention that, it only mentions that it should
only be used unrolled.

Of course I understand the use cases for extension cords, but I think
the use of the word "permanent" is strange and vague, because nothing
is ever permanent, and temporary solutions often last a long time
(longer than some permanent ones!)

[Rich]

Yes, "in lieu of fixed wiring" would have used the wording from the NEC
section.

Instead, it was using the "not easily removed" sub-definition of
"permanant" (item 2(a) at the URL below):

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permanent

[Cydrome Leader]

Agreed. When putting an extension cord in a foot trafficed are you wrap it
in oily rags, so the there's no friction to pinch the insulation. Then you
cover it with a nylon rug or other insulating material.

[whit3rd]

On Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 7:43:07 AM UTC-7, Hem Jung wrote:
> Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
> use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
> wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip?

There are speaker-cord solutions (very flat cable, suitable for under-rug use)
but not recommended for AC line power. Another solution in utility areas is to screw
a few hooks into the ceiling, and dangle the extension overhead.

The deluxe approach, of course, is to mount a floor receptacle, with suitable support
and foot-traffic-capable cover. Search on "Hubbell floor receptacle" for examples.

[Adrian Caspersz]

What Power (Watts/VA), Current (Amps) is the "something pretty?"
Exactly what distance to the wall outlet?

Does it have a wall wart adaptor? If it does, you could extend the
output of that, with a different lighter cable - though you may lose
power over an excessive length.

If you have walls that are plasterboard, fishing cables through them
isn't too much work. You might have closer power on the other side of them.

--
Adrian C

[amdx]

This my be a repeat but, I don't see my OP.

Here is a flat Extension cord, it is 0.9mm high, but the info states
0.003" high.

> https://tinyurl.com/48e53w6t

The add states, thinnest extension cord in the world, 0.003-Inch _Flat
Code_ 9.84-Feet Black.

As a joke I ask a question, does Flat Code, mean multiply by 10? I got
serious answers.




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