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Hem Jung March 30th 21 03:43 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip? My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high. Maybe
I could make one? Thanks in advance.

Ralph Mowery[_3_] March 30th 21 04:21 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
In article , says...

Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip? My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high. Maybe
I could make one? Thanks in advance.



Have you seen the floor protectors ? Rubber pieces that are a few
inches wide that the cord goes under ?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand-...-ft-1-Channel-
Over-Floor-Cord-Protector-Black-CDBK-5/205485211

There are many variations of this.



Ralph Phillips March 30th 21 05:53 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On 3/30/2021 10:21 AM, Ralph Mowery wrote:
In article , says...

Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip? My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high. Maybe
I could make one? Thanks in advance.



Have you seen the floor protectors ? Rubber pieces that are a few
inches wide that the cord goes under ?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand-...-ft-1-Channel-
Over-Floor-Cord-Protector-Black-CDBK-5/205485211

There are many variations of this.


To which I'd add the cheap version, Gaffer Tape.

(In a dire pinch, duck tape or even duct tape can be used ... )

RwP


Peter W. March 30th 21 06:57 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 10:43:07 AM UTC-4, Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip? My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high. Maybe
I could make one? Thanks in advance.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cordinat...-203716817-_-N

here is a 10-foot (3 meter) version, and for outdoor use:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Guardian...CR-5/313246197

And, there are always these:

https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com...AlhqEA Lw_wcB

And for the well-heeled, needing flexibility:

https://www.grainger.com/product/14N...gclsrc=aw .ds

We use a lot of the last for the mechanics. Good stuff!

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA

Rich March 30th 21 07:13 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had
to use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor,
I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip?
My foot has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep
it the way it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is
too high. Maybe I could make one? Thanks in advance.


You don't state your location, but do note that at least in the USA, it
is a violation of the electrical code to utilize an extension cord as a
substitute for permanent wiring. So, if you are in the USA, and if
this is a temporary thing, you'll be ok. But if are in the USA and you
might plan to make this permanent you will fail a future electrical
inspection should one occur.

micky March 30th 21 10:28 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
In sci.electronics.repair, on Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:43:04 -0400, Hem Jung
wrote:

Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip? My foot


Put a rug over it. Even magazines or those large padded shipping
envelopes will work in a pinch.

has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high. Maybe
I could make one? Thanks in advance.



legg March 31st 21 12:01 AM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:43:04 -0400, Hem Jung wrote:

Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip? My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high. Maybe
I could make one? Thanks in advance.


I sometimes run temporary cabling above human traffic, but never
anything carrying line power - There are permanent wall/cieling
outlets in the lab.

For short periods, I've run flexible power cable on the floor,
fixed into position at right angles to traffic by hazard tape.

For anything permanent, get the proper wiring done.

RL

Rob[_40_] March 31st 21 09:37 AM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
Rich wrote:
Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had
to use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor,
I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip?
My foot has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep
it the way it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is
too high. Maybe I could make one? Thanks in advance.


You don't state your location, but do note that at least in the USA, it
is a violation of the electrical code to utilize an extension cord as a
substitute for permanent wiring. So, if you are in the USA, and if
this is a temporary thing, you'll be ok. But if are in the USA and you
might plan to make this permanent you will fail a future electrical
inspection should one occur.


Strange that such a statement would be in the code. Nothing is permanent.

Peter W. March 31st 21 12:30 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 5:28:38 PM UTC-4, micky wrote:

Put a rug over it. Even magazines or those large padded shipping
envelopes will work in a pinch.


This has to be one of the most insane pieces of advice ever given - excepting those from Jimmy Neutron. This approaches the quality of advice around using aluminum cans to cover holes in an automotive firewall.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA

legg March 31st 21 01:43 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On 31 Mar 2021 08:37:23 GMT, Rob wrote:

Rich wrote:
Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had
to use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor,
I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip?
My foot has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep
it the way it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is
too high. Maybe I could make one? Thanks in advance.


You don't state your location, but do note that at least in the USA, it
is a violation of the electrical code to utilize an extension cord as a
substitute for permanent wiring. So, if you are in the USA, and if
this is a temporary thing, you'll be ok. But if are in the USA and you
might plan to make this permanent you will fail a future electrical
inspection should one occur.


Strange that such a statement would be in the code. Nothing is permanent.


Have you read your local/national electrical code?

How about the warning tag on your last purchased extension cord?

RL

Bill Gill March 31st 21 02:13 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On 3/30/2021 9:43 AM, Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord.Â* Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip?Â* My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is.Â* I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high.Â* Maybe
I could make one?Â* Thanks in advance.


For short term use when I was displaying my book scanner at the
Tulsa Maker Faire, a one day event, I plugged the extension
cord into the provided in-the-floor outlet and then taped it to
the floor. Gaffer tape is preferred, but duct tape or even
masking tape will do.

Bill

Rich March 31st 21 02:48 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
Rob wrote:
Rich wrote:
Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had
to use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the
floor, I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to make this
anti-trip? My foot has caught it a couple of times, so not very
good if I keep it the way it is. I see flat extension cords
online, but price is too high. Maybe I could make one? Thanks in
advance.


You don't state your location, but do note that at least in the USA,
it is a violation of the electrical code to utilize an extension
cord as a substitute for permanent wiring. So, if you are in the
USA, and if this is a temporary thing, you'll be ok. But if are in
the USA and you might plan to make this permanent you will fail a
future electrical inspection should one occur.


Strange that such a statement would be in the code. Nothing is
permanent.


https://www.memic.com/workplace-safe...n-cord-hazards

National Electrical Code (NEC) does not allow extension cords in
lieu of permanent wiring (NEC 400.8(1) - 2014 Version).

https://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com...ec-400-8.5437/

Article 400

Flexible Cords and Cables

400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7,
flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings,
suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings

(4) Where attached to building surfaces

Exception to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be
attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of
368.56(B)

(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above
suspended or dropped ceilings

(6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in
this Code

(7) Where subject to physical damage


Stephen Wolstenholme March 31st 21 02:53 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:43:04 -0400, Hem Jung wrote:

Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip? My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high. Maybe
I could make one? Thanks in advance.


I have seen flat mains extension cable for under carpets at £69 a
meter. I wouldn't trust it with powered carpet tacking tools.

Steve
--
http://www.npsnn.com


Rob[_40_] March 31st 21 03:34 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
Rich wrote:
Rob wrote:
Rich wrote:
Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had
to use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the
floor, I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to make this
anti-trip? My foot has caught it a couple of times, so not very
good if I keep it the way it is. I see flat extension cords
online, but price is too high. Maybe I could make one? Thanks in
advance.

You don't state your location, but do note that at least in the USA,
it is a violation of the electrical code to utilize an extension
cord as a substitute for permanent wiring. So, if you are in the
USA, and if this is a temporary thing, you'll be ok. But if are in
the USA and you might plan to make this permanent you will fail a
future electrical inspection should one occur.


Strange that such a statement would be in the code. Nothing is
permanent.


https://www.memic.com/workplace-safe...n-cord-hazards

National Electrical Code (NEC) does not allow extension cords in
lieu of permanent wiring (NEC 400.8(1) - 2014 Version).

https://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com...ec-400-8.5437/

Article 400

Flexible Cords and Cables

400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7,
flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings,
suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings

(4) Where attached to building surfaces

Exception to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be
attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of
368.56(B)

(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above
suspended or dropped ceilings

(6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in
this Code

(7) Where subject to physical damage


Ok the second one refers to "fixed" and elaborates that use cases where
it would be like the fixed wiring are not permitted, that is reasonable.

The first one probably should have read "in lieu of fixed wiring".

Rob[_40_] March 31st 21 03:36 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
legg wrote:
On 31 Mar 2021 08:37:23 GMT, Rob wrote:

Rich wrote:
Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had
to use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor,
I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip?
My foot has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep
it the way it is. I see flat extension cords online, but price is
too high. Maybe I could make one? Thanks in advance.

You don't state your location, but do note that at least in the USA, it
is a violation of the electrical code to utilize an extension cord as a
substitute for permanent wiring. So, if you are in the USA, and if
this is a temporary thing, you'll be ok. But if are in the USA and you
might plan to make this permanent you will fail a future electrical
inspection should one occur.


Strange that such a statement would be in the code. Nothing is permanent.


Have you read your local/national electrical code?

How about the warning tag on your last purchased extension cord?


I have not purchased extension cords for several decades, but one that
I have here does not mention that, it only mentions that it should
only be used unrolled.

Of course I understand the use cases for extension cords, but I think
the use of the word "permanent" is strange and vague, because nothing
is ever permanent, and temporary solutions often last a long time
(longer than some permanent ones!)

Rich March 31st 21 03:58 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
Rob wrote:
Rich wrote:
Rob wrote:
Rich wrote:
Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and
had to use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the
floor, I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to make this
anti-trip? My foot has caught it a couple of times, so not very
good if I keep it the way it is. I see flat extension cords
online, but price is too high. Maybe I could make one? Thanks
in advance.

You don't state your location, but do note that at least in the
USA, it is a violation of the electrical code to utilize an
extension cord as a substitute for permanent wiring. So, if you
are in the USA, and if this is a temporary thing, you'll be ok.
But if are in the USA and you might plan to make this permanent
you will fail a future electrical inspection should one occur.

Strange that such a statement would be in the code. Nothing is
permanent.


https://www.memic.com/workplace-safe...n-cord-hazards

National Electrical Code (NEC) does not allow extension cords in
lieu of permanent wiring (NEC 400.8(1) - 2014 Version).

https://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com...ec-400-8.5437/

Article 400

Flexible Cords and Cables

400.8 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in
400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the
following:

(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings,
suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings

(4) Where attached to building surfaces

Exception to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to
be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the
provisions of 368.56(B)

(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located
above suspended or dropped ceilings

(6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted
in this Code

(7) Where subject to physical damage


Ok the second one refers to "fixed" and elaborates that use cases
where it would be like the fixed wiring are not permitted, that is
reasonable.

The first one probably should have read "in lieu of fixed wiring".


Yes, "in lieu of fixed wiring" would have used the wording from the NEC
section.

Instead, it was using the "not easily removed" sub-definition of
"permanant" (item 2(a) at the URL below):

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permanent


Cydrome Leader April 1st 21 06:15 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
Peter W. wrote:
On Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 5:28:38 PM UTC-4, micky wrote:

Put a rug over it. Even magazines or those large padded shipping
envelopes will work in a pinch.


This has to be one of the most insane pieces of advice ever given - excepting those from Jimmy Neutron. This approaches the quality of advice around using aluminum cans to cover holes in an automotive firewall.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA


Agreed. When putting an extension cord in a foot trafficed are you wrap it
in oily rags, so the there's no friction to pinch the insulation. Then you
cover it with a nylon rug or other insulating material.



whit3rd April 1st 21 09:25 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 7:43:07 AM UTC-7, Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord. Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip?


There are speaker-cord solutions (very flat cable, suitable for under-rug use)
but not recommended for AC line power. Another solution in utility areas is to screw
a few hooks into the ceiling, and dangle the extension overhead.

The deluxe approach, of course, is to mount a floor receptacle, with suitable support
and foot-traffic-capable cover. Search on "Hubbell floor receptacle" for examples.

Adrian Caspersz April 2nd 21 09:41 AM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On 30/03/2021 15:43, Hem Jung wrote:
Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord.Â* Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip?Â* My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is.Â* I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high.Â* Maybe
I could make one?Â* Thanks in advance.


What Power (Watts/VA), Current (Amps) is the "something pretty?"
Exactly what distance to the wall outlet?

Does it have a wall wart adaptor? If it does, you could extend the
output of that, with a different lighter cable - though you may lose
power over an excessive length.

If you have walls that are plasterboard, fishing cables through them
isn't too much work. You might have closer power on the other side of them.

--
Adrian C

amdx April 3rd 21 02:18 PM

DIY flat extension cord?
 
On 3/30/2021 11:53 AM, Ralph Phillips wrote:
On 3/30/2021 10:21 AM, Ralph Mowery wrote:
In article , says...

Just had to power something pretty far away from the outlet and had to
use a standard extension cord.Â* Since this goes across the floor, I'm
wondering if there's anything I can do to make this anti-trip?Â* My foot
has caught it a couple of times, so not very good if I keep it the way
it is.Â* I see flat extension cords online, but price is too high.Â*
Maybe
I could make one?Â* Thanks in advance.



Have you seen the floor protectors ?Â* Rubber pieces that are a few
inches wide that the cord goes under ?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand-...-ft-1-Channel-
Over-Floor-Cord-Protector-Black-CDBK-5/205485211

There are many variations of this.


To which I'd add the cheap version, Gaffer Tape.

(In a dire pinch, duck tape or even duct tape can be used ... )

RwP

This my be a repeat but, I don't see my OP.

Here is a flat Extension cord, it is 0.9mm high, but the info states
0.003" high.

https://tinyurl.com/48e53w6t


The add states, thinnest extension cord in the world, 0.003-Inch _Flat
Code_ 9.84-Feet Black.

As a joke I ask a question, does Flat Code, mean multiply by 10? I got
serious answers.




--
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https://www.avast.com/antivirus



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