Thread: Floor outlets

Do floor outlets require covers?

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Originally Posted by mathew stouffer

Do floor outlets require covers?

Matthew,

Yes. They need to be specifically designed for floors. The outlet should be recessed below the surface of the floor and the plate should be strong enough to bear weight. I believe the box needs to be strong enough to bear weight as well.

Thanks Gunnar.

Here is a copy & paste from the 2008 NEC which is unchanged from the 2002 & 2005 editions.
314.27

(C) Floor Boxes. Boxes listed specifically for this application
shall be used for receptacles located in the floor.

Exception: Where the authority having jurisdiction judges
them free from likely exposure to physical damage, moisture,
and dirt, boxes located in elevated floors of show
windows and similar locations shall be permitted to be
other than those listed for floor applications. Receptacles
and covers shall be listed as an assembly for this type of
location.

This is my opinion, but that receptacle in the picture does not meet that exception.

Thanks. Once I looked at the distrution panel I figured these had to be wrong It was a mess.

Originally Posted by Rollie Meyers

Here is a copy & paste from the 2008 NEC which is unchanged from the 2002 & 2005 editions.
314.27

(C) Floor Boxes. Boxes listed specifically for this application
shall be used for receptacles located in the floor.

Exception: Where the authority having jurisdiction judges
them free from likely exposure to physical damage, moisture,
and dirt, boxes located in elevated floors of show
windows and similar locations shall be permitted to be
other than those listed for floor applications. Receptacles
and covers shall be listed as an assembly for this type of
location.

This is my opinion, but that receptacle in the picture does not meet that exception.

Rollie,

"This is my opinion, but that receptacle in the picture does not meet that exception."

Not just "your opinion, that is what the code states,

That certainly does not look like it is "located in elevated floors of show
windows and similar locations". "Similar locations" would be floor areas which are not used for walking on, but for display - which is what show windows are not for (not for walking on) and are for (displaying items).

Additionally, when that exception is applied, the code states (bold and underlining are mine) "Receptacles and covers shall be listed as an assembly for this type of location".

Thus it is safe to say that is not allowed as shown in the photo.

Let your mind picture a stout 200 + pound lady wearing stiletto heels coming down on that plastic receptacle outlet. I know........ Neither a pretty sight nor result.

Also, is it my imagination or an optical illusion ... that looks like it is in the middle of the top landing of a stairway, right where WC Jerry's referenced person will step on it.

Even a 110 lady in spike heels will poke that thing out, heck, even a man in large flat heels like are on men's shoes will crush that thing.

Not only that, but if on the landing as it looks, it is now a trip, slip and fall hazard as the surface is no longer level.

I don't know about you guys but this picture just doesn't seems to be save. I know that it always happens that the electric components you want to use, are the furthest away for the closes socket, but putting a raised socket into the floor boarding doesn't seem to be the alternative for me. I don't know if by covering the socket any issue would be resolved.