Exemption: | These rules do not apply to cords and cables that are an internal part of factory assembled appliances and equipment, like the windings on motors or wiring inside electrical panels. |
Note: | Flexible cords and cables are typically used to connect electrical equipment to a power source. These cords can have an electrical plug to connect to a power source or can be permanently wired into the power source. The terms flexible cords, extension cord, cables and electrical cords all refer to a type of flexible cord. |
(1) You must perform visual inspections.
On portable cord- and plug-connected equipment and extension cords before use on each work shift. Defects and damage to look for include:
(a) Loose parts.
(b) Deformed or missing pins.
(c) External defects and damage.
(d) Damage to the outer covering or insulation.
(e) Pinched or crushed covering or insulation that might indicate internal damage.
Exemption: | You do not need to visually inspect portable cord- and plug-connected equipment and extension cords that stay connected once in place and are not exposed to damage until they are moved. |
(2) You must remove from service any defective or damaged cord until repaired and tested.
(3) You must use flexible cords only as follows:
(a) Wiring of equipment and appliances.
(b) Data processing cables approved as a part of the data processing system.
(c) Pendants.
(d) Wiring for fixtures.
(e) Connecting portable lamps or appliances to an approved outlet with an attachment plug.
(f) Connecting stationary equipment that is frequently changed with an attachment plug energized from an approved outlet.
(g) Preventing noise or vibration transmission.
(h) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are designed to permit removal for maintenance and repair if the appliance is equipped with an attachment plug energized from an approved outlet.
(i) Elevator cables.
(j) Wiring of cranes and hoists.
(k) Portable and mobile signs.
(l) Connection of moving parts.
Common Acceptable Uses of Flexible Cords
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Note: | Extension cords (flexible cord sets) may be used on a temporary basis if you follow the rules described in the temporary use section, WAC 296-800-28030(3). |
(4) You must make sure flexible cords are not:
(a) Used as a substitute for fixed wiring of a structure.
(b) Run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors.
(c) Run through doorways, windows, or similar openings.
(d) Attached to building surfaces.
(e) Concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors.
(f) Used to raise or lower equipment.
(5) You must make sure flexible cords and cables are approved and suitable for:
(a) The way they will be used.
(b) The location where they will be used.
(6) You must not fasten or hang cords and equipment in any way that could cause damage to the outer jacket or insulation of the cord.
(7) You must make sure insulation on flexible cords and cables is intact.
(8) You must make sure flexible cords and electrical cords are:
(a) Connected to devices and fittings so that any pulling force on the cord is prevented from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws on the plug.
(b) Used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap.
Note: | Hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger may be repaired or spliced if the insulation, outer sheath properties, and use characteristics of the cord are retained. |
(9) You must prohibit your employees from using wet hands to plug or unplug equipment or extension cords if the equipment is energized.
(10) You must provide the following for temporary use.
(a) Make sure temporary electrical power and lighting installations that operate at 600 volts or less are used only:
(i) During and for remodeling, maintenance, repair or demolition of buildings, structures, or equipment, and similar activities.
(ii) For experimental or developmental work.
(iii) During emergencies.
(iv) For no more than ninety days for:
(A) Christmas decorative lighting.
(B) Carnivals.
(C) Other similar purposes.
(b) Make sure flexible cords and cables are protected from accidental damage as might be caused, for example, by sharp corners, projections, and doorways or other pinch points.
(c) Remove temporary wiring immediately upon completion of the project or purpose for which the wiring was installed.