In article ,
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 1, 8:11*pm, "Bill" wrote:
"DerbyDad03" wrote in message

news:be4235af-adbc-4050-8fbe-

The top of my workbench overhangs the support frame by about 5 inches.
I put a 120V duplex every 2.5 feet or so along the frame under the
overhang, facing out into the shop.

This keeps the top of the workbench clear of cords running from the
back wall (as pictured in your "garage" sketch) when using sanders,
heat guns, etc.

DD,

This is a nice idea. *Is the workbench powered using a male-male extension
cord to the wall?
Sorry if the answer is obvious.

Bill

"Is the workbench powered using a male-male extension cord to the
wall?"

I was hoping nobody would ask that question!

The workbench is a rather old structure (1950's?) that came with the
house. It is basically framed with full-sized 2 x 4's (doubled up for
the legs) and topped with 2 x 8's, upon which I added 1/4" hardboard
to get a smooth yet replaceable work surface. The unit is just over 8'
long and about 3' deep. It's a rather hefty unit.

It is more or less "permanently" wired into the shop. There is a
junction box attached to a back leg of the workbench with a run of
12/2 NM from a junction box in the ceiling. From the workbench
junction box I ran more 12/2 along the frame and attached the outlets
in surface mount boxes.

I assume the junction box attached to the workbench is probably not
code, but based on the weight of the workbench and it's location, it's
not something that ever gets moved. If it needed to be moved, I would
disconnect the wires in the ceiling box so no live wires would be
exposed.

What would be required to bring this up to code? Would a male-male be
required? Would just a male pig-tail from the junction box to a
receptacle be better? Or is it OK as is?

male-male is *illegal* in a lot of jurisdictions. Serious risk if the
upstream (i.e. the wall outlet fed from utility power) end is plugged in
and the other end is -not-.

In most jurisdictions the outlets on the bench is perfectly legal (no
different than a convenience outlet on a stove, say), with a simple drop
cord to plug it into a wall outlet. I would probably consider using
greenlee armored cable and a twist-lok connector. grin

I'd use greenlee, or actual EMT conduit, for all the 'on bench' inter-
connections. something -could- fly around and hit bare wiring (even NM)
I don't believe in giving MURPHY a -chance- to muck with things.