UCR Policies and Procedures

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Campus Policy Number: 425-18

Electrical Service Extension Safety

Policy Owner: Environmental Health & Safety
Effective Date: 1/15/94

1. REFERENCES

1. California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 3
2. National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition
3. Uniform Fire Code, 1991 Edition, Article 85

2. POLICY

Extension cords supply electric service on a temporary basis, when the existing electrical wall receptacles (outlets) are not available (i.e., fully utilized or not accessible). Multioutlet assemblies provide for additional convenient located fixed outlets. Circuit conditioning devices provide conditioning of power to sensitive appliances such as computers. In order to ensure personnel and structural safety associated with the use of extended electrical service devices, the following electrical safety standards apply to all departments and units of the UCR campus, including vendors, contractors, or other entities occupying University property. This policy shall not limit the use of devices in conjunction with remodel, renovation, or construction projects by construction trades, when use of such devices is in compliance with the National Electric Code and with the California Code of Regulations.

1. Extension Cords

1. Cords shall not be used as substitute for fixed or permanent wiring of the building.
2. Extension cords are permitted only with portable appliances or fixtures, and must be in accordance with the following:
1. Each cord shall be constructed with no less than #14 awg conductors, no greater than twenty five (25) feet maximum in length, be plugged directly into a wall receptacle, and shall service only one appliance or fixture. Note: When Central Stores receives a request for an extension cord longer than 25 feet, Central Stores will notify the Campus Fire Marshal, who will contact the person submitting the request to determine proper usage.
2. The cord shall be maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or damage.
3. The cord shall be of the grounded variety when servicing grounded appliances or fixtures.
4. Cords placed where they may be damaged by foot or wheel traffic must be protected with a cord guard.
3. Extension cords shall not be affixed to building structures, nor extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or under floor coverings.
4. Extension cords shall not be connected to multiple outlet strips.
5. Existing cords in service properly prior to the implementation date of this policy may remain in service until there replacement is required for cause.

2. Multioutlet Assemblies
1. Multioutlet Assemblies shall be designed and installed in accordance with NEC, Article 353 and Section 220-3(c) and other provisions as required.
3. Circuit Conditioning Devices

Listed and approved circuit conditioning devices are allowed to be used when conditioning of the power is required for use with equipment such as computers, printers, telephone equipment, etc. Installation of such devices shall be in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and the following:

1. The cord shall be maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or damage.
2. Cords placed where they may be damaged by foot or wheel traffic must be protected with a cord guard.
3. Cords shall not be affixed to building structures, nor extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or under floor coverings.
4. No interconnecting of multiple devices, i.e. daisy chaining, shall be allowed.
4. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) shall be installed on all electrical circuits when required by the National Electric Code, including locations within six (6) feet of any water source (sink, fountain), when installed outdoors, or when installed in any wet environment.

5. New Wall Outlet Requirements

New walls, office partitions, and modular furniture are required to be installed and supplied with active electrical outlets, spaced a minimum of one outlet every twelve (12) feet including corners. If personal computers are to be installed in the area, it is recommended that special isolated circuit and grounded computer power outlets be installed.