UC Santa Barbara Policy 5420
Policies
Issuing Unit: Administrative Services Date: February 1, 1986
Revision in Process
ELECTRICAL SERVICE EXTENSION SAFETY
I. REFERENCES:
A. California Administrative Code, Title 24.
B. National Electrical Code, latest edition.
II. POLICY:
Extension cords and multiple outlet strips supply electricity, on a
temporary basis, when the existing electrical wall receptacles
(outlets) are not available (i.e., fully utilized or not accessible
within 12 feet of connector). 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 UCSB campus, including vendors,
contractors, or other entities occupying University property.
A. Extension Cords:
1. Cords shall not be used as substitute for fixed wiring of
the building.
2. Extension cords are permitted only with portable
appliances on fixtures, and must be in accordance with the
following:
a. Each cord shall be twelve (12) feet maximum, 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. 12 feet, Central Stores will notify
the Campus Fire Marshal, who will contact the person
submitting the request to determine proper usage.
b. The cord shall be maintained in good condition
without splices, deterioration or damage.
c. The cord shall be of the grounded variety when
servicing grounded appliances or fixtures.
d. 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,
4. Extension cords shall not be connected to multiple outlet
strips, ceilings, floors, under doors or under floor
coverings.
B. Multiple Outlet Strips:
1. Must be equipped with a Circuit Breaker (fuses are not
acceptable).
2. Length of cord shall be six (6) feet maximum and be
plugged directly into a wall receptacle. Multiple outlet
strips shall not be connected to each other.
3. May only be used for appliances that draw 200 watts or
less per plug: Approved: typewriters, computer terminals,
erasers, calculators. Not approved: coffee pots, electric
heaters, copying machines.
4. Multiple outlet strips and connecting cords, where exposed
to damage by foot or wheel traffic, shall be off the floor
and attached to desks, etc., or protected with a Cord
Guard.
C. Cube Taps:
1. Plug and outlet must be "U"-grounded.
2. Must be plugged directly into a wall receptacle. Cube taps
shall not be connected to extension cords nor multiple outlet
strips.
3. Three(3) outlet unit maximum permitted.
D. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters:
A G.F.C.I. must be installed on all electrical outlets when
installed within six feet of any water source (sink, fountain),
when installed outdoors, or when installed in any wet environment.
E. 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 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.
For questions or comments regarding the format of the above information, please contact webcontact@ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu.
Last Modified By: HMW, 5/21/97
Return to the UC Santa Barbara Policies Home Page