TuckerD
Well-Known Member
Hello all,
Some questions about adapters as defined by section 520 of the NEC.
One of our local venue's power distro has some pigtail boxes with the aforementioned 20-amp T-type receptacle. If I want to plug in a fixture with the common 5-15 type connector, I could plug it in directly if it was close by. According to the exemption given by 520.67 this is fine. If I want to plug it into that circuit over some distance, however, then I will need an extension cable. If that cables male end is the 5-15 type connector then it's female end must be the 5-15 receptacle (no reduction in current rating). Is it acting as an adapter in this case since it is being used to convert from a T-type configuration to a PBG type configuration (and due to the 520.69 exemption the male 5-15 is allowed to connect with the 5-20 receptacle).
Once the connection to the load is made is this adapter being used in a circuit with a higher rating (a violation of 520.69 (A)? What if I used an extension cable with 5-20 T-type connectors; I assume this would be fine because the extension cable would not be an adapter and the cable on the fixture (5-15) is allowed to connect to the T-type receptacle.
If my pigtails had stage pin connectors and I used a stage-pin to NEMA 5-20 adapter would I then be allowed to use a more 'normal' 5-15 extension cord to get to my fixture with a 5-15 type plug? In that case is the circuit considered a 20a circuit, in which case there are now underrated plugs?
To clarify, I know what is done most places. And I know that the 5-15 and 5-20 connectors are almost identical. My questions are really more about standards interpretation.
Some questions about adapters as defined by section 520 of the NEC.
520.2 Definitions.
Adapter. A device used to adapt a circuit from one configuration of an attachment plug or receptacle to another configuration with the same current rating.
520.67 Multipole Branch-Circuit Cable Connectors. Multipole branch-circuit conductors shall be constructed so that tension on the cord or cable is not transmitted to the connections. The female half of shall be attached to the load end of the power supply cord or cable. The connector shall be rated in amperes and designed so that differently rated devices cannot be connected together; however, a 20-ampere T-slot receptacle shall be permitted to accept a 15-ampere attachment plug of the same voltage rating. Alternating-current multipole connectors shall be polarized and comply with 406.7 and 406.10
520.69 Adapters. Adapters, two-fers, and other single- and multiple-circuit outlet devices shall comply with 520.69(A), (B), and (C).
(A) No Reduction in Current Rating. Each receptacle and it's corresponding cable shall have the same current and voltage rating as the plug supplying it. It shall not be utilized in a stage circuit with a greater rating.
(B) Connectors. All connectors shall be wired in accordance with 520.67
(C) Conductor Type. Conductors for adapters and two-fers shall be listed extra-hard usage or listed hard usage (junior hard service) cord. Hard usage (junior hard service) cord shall be restricted in overall length to 2.0 m (6.6 ft).
One of our local venue's power distro has some pigtail boxes with the aforementioned 20-amp T-type receptacle. If I want to plug in a fixture with the common 5-15 type connector, I could plug it in directly if it was close by. According to the exemption given by 520.67 this is fine. If I want to plug it into that circuit over some distance, however, then I will need an extension cable. If that cables male end is the 5-15 type connector then it's female end must be the 5-15 receptacle (no reduction in current rating). Is it acting as an adapter in this case since it is being used to convert from a T-type configuration to a PBG type configuration (and due to the 520.69 exemption the male 5-15 is allowed to connect with the 5-20 receptacle).
Once the connection to the load is made is this adapter being used in a circuit with a higher rating (a violation of 520.69 (A)? What if I used an extension cable with 5-20 T-type connectors; I assume this would be fine because the extension cable would not be an adapter and the cable on the fixture (5-15) is allowed to connect to the T-type receptacle.
If my pigtails had stage pin connectors and I used a stage-pin to NEMA 5-20 adapter would I then be allowed to use a more 'normal' 5-15 extension cord to get to my fixture with a 5-15 type plug? In that case is the circuit considered a 20a circuit, in which case there are now underrated plugs?
To clarify, I know what is done most places. And I know that the 5-15 and 5-20 connectors are almost identical. My questions are really more about standards interpretation.
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