Floor outlet protruding under a rug
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I have an in floor outlet (under a rug) and I don't want the plug sticking up under the rug. Can I cut off the plug of an extension cord and directly wire it in with the wires of the outlet? Thanks in advance for your reply
electrical extension-cord
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I have an in floor outlet (under a rug) and I don't want the plug sticking up under the rug. Can I cut off the plug of an extension cord and directly wire it in with the wires of the outlet? Thanks in advance for your reply
electrical extension-cord
New contributor
1
What's your location? In the UK, if you cut off a plug you cut off the fuse. I don't believe US or European plugs have fuses in them.
– AndyT
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I have an in floor outlet (under a rug) and I don't want the plug sticking up under the rug. Can I cut off the plug of an extension cord and directly wire it in with the wires of the outlet? Thanks in advance for your reply
electrical extension-cord
New contributor
I have an in floor outlet (under a rug) and I don't want the plug sticking up under the rug. Can I cut off the plug of an extension cord and directly wire it in with the wires of the outlet? Thanks in advance for your reply
electrical extension-cord
electrical extension-cord
New contributor
New contributor
New contributor
asked 2 days ago
Bryan
162
162
New contributor
New contributor
1
What's your location? In the UK, if you cut off a plug you cut off the fuse. I don't believe US or European plugs have fuses in them.
– AndyT
yesterday
add a comment |
1
What's your location? In the UK, if you cut off a plug you cut off the fuse. I don't believe US or European plugs have fuses in them.
– AndyT
yesterday
1
1
What's your location? In the UK, if you cut off a plug you cut off the fuse. I don't believe US or European plugs have fuses in them.
– AndyT
yesterday
What's your location? In the UK, if you cut off a plug you cut off the fuse. I don't believe US or European plugs have fuses in them.
– AndyT
yesterday
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
17
down vote
No, you can't.
An extension cord is designed for temporary use. Many of us (myself included) will use an extension cord on a "semi-permanent" basis.
But it is quite different to have an exposed extension cord and a hidden extension cord. An extension cord is not designed - or rated & tested - for use in a hidden location. Use in that matter raises the very real possibility of damage to the cord from repeated walking on the carpet going unnoticed until it is too late (e.g., fire). Wires are also rated based on temperature, and a cord that is rated for a particular temperature based on being in open air may not be safe when used under a carpet, where it may heat up quite a bit more - also increasing fire risk.
The proper way to use a floor outlet is to have a cutout in the carpet around the outlet, and ideally a cover on the outlet when it is not in use to avoid dirt (or even worse, spilled drinks) getting into the outlet. I see that type of outlet in hotels & conference rooms and it is a little ugly but functional and safe.
If you are not going to use the floor outlet at all, covering it with a movable rug is OK. But you should never cover an outlet or junction box of any type (e.g., including if you removed the outlet, capped the wires and put on a blank plate) with any permanent flooring like wall-to-wall carpet. All electrical connections (with very few exceptions) need to be easily accessible.
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
That's not how you use those outlets
Those outlets are for putting a desk above them, and now you have power to the desk. I gather you've changed the usage of that room and now it is open space that is traversed by people, or you have a rug that can't fit without overlapping that floor outlet. Well, then, you don't use the floor outlet.
It is illegal to use extension cords (cordage) as a substitute for the permanent wiring of a building. I once saw a hefty 6/2 cord going to a powdercoat oven, drywalled right into the wall. On my next visit a few months later, there was EMT conduit and a receptacle there instead. Fire marshal had been by, I guess.
Running extension cord under carpet is a bad idea for so many reasons, as manassehkatz discusses. They do make special under-carpet cable, you might try researching that, but how you terminate that cable at the floor box will still be a major safety issue.
What's at stake here is the fire inspector finding the bad installation In the ashes (it's what they do), and declining your fire insurance, leaving you on the hook for the mortgage when they call it. (Even a non-recourse loan becomes recourse at that point, and worse, it can't be cleared in bankruptcy, nor can civil liability for injuries). The penalty is rare but harsh. Speaking of rare but harsh, manslaughter charges are also possible.
The right thing is to install additional wall outlets, or other floor outlets, where you actually do need them... Or if appropriate, hang a pendant from the ceiling. -Although if your building is built to recent Code, it will already have wall outlets strategically placed so any appliance with a 6' (2m) cord that's along a wall can reach an outlet with its own cord.
I hardly need to tell you how to plug more than 2 things into a receptacle.
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
Edit: I just realized that the entire thing is flammable. The only reason I'm not deleting it is it might inspire a good idea.
One thing you could do is raise the rug using a platform made out of wood — a few 1x4s should be enough — with space cut out of it for the extension cord to take pressure off of it, then use a flat plug extension cord:
Rough sketch of what that would look like:
New contributor
1
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I'm guessing someone downvoted you because it seems like a dangerous answer, but they should have indicated that in a comment. Sorry.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
1
@DanielGriscom 🤷♂️ that is what downvotes are for. If this is dangerous, it would probably be a good idea to leave a comment explaining why though.
– Nonny Moose
yesterday
1
This would violate code because you are using an extension cord as a permanent substitution for an outlet. The same would apply if someone was willing to take a router and just cut out a big groove in the floor for the extension cord.
– nvuono
yesterday
I think that's what upvotes are for, but downvotes should be explained. It's generally clear why an answer is good, but there are many ways an answer can be bad, and it's good to explain why.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
17
down vote
No, you can't.
An extension cord is designed for temporary use. Many of us (myself included) will use an extension cord on a "semi-permanent" basis.
But it is quite different to have an exposed extension cord and a hidden extension cord. An extension cord is not designed - or rated & tested - for use in a hidden location. Use in that matter raises the very real possibility of damage to the cord from repeated walking on the carpet going unnoticed until it is too late (e.g., fire). Wires are also rated based on temperature, and a cord that is rated for a particular temperature based on being in open air may not be safe when used under a carpet, where it may heat up quite a bit more - also increasing fire risk.
The proper way to use a floor outlet is to have a cutout in the carpet around the outlet, and ideally a cover on the outlet when it is not in use to avoid dirt (or even worse, spilled drinks) getting into the outlet. I see that type of outlet in hotels & conference rooms and it is a little ugly but functional and safe.
If you are not going to use the floor outlet at all, covering it with a movable rug is OK. But you should never cover an outlet or junction box of any type (e.g., including if you removed the outlet, capped the wires and put on a blank plate) with any permanent flooring like wall-to-wall carpet. All electrical connections (with very few exceptions) need to be easily accessible.
add a comment |
up vote
17
down vote
No, you can't.
An extension cord is designed for temporary use. Many of us (myself included) will use an extension cord on a "semi-permanent" basis.
But it is quite different to have an exposed extension cord and a hidden extension cord. An extension cord is not designed - or rated & tested - for use in a hidden location. Use in that matter raises the very real possibility of damage to the cord from repeated walking on the carpet going unnoticed until it is too late (e.g., fire). Wires are also rated based on temperature, and a cord that is rated for a particular temperature based on being in open air may not be safe when used under a carpet, where it may heat up quite a bit more - also increasing fire risk.
The proper way to use a floor outlet is to have a cutout in the carpet around the outlet, and ideally a cover on the outlet when it is not in use to avoid dirt (or even worse, spilled drinks) getting into the outlet. I see that type of outlet in hotels & conference rooms and it is a little ugly but functional and safe.
If you are not going to use the floor outlet at all, covering it with a movable rug is OK. But you should never cover an outlet or junction box of any type (e.g., including if you removed the outlet, capped the wires and put on a blank plate) with any permanent flooring like wall-to-wall carpet. All electrical connections (with very few exceptions) need to be easily accessible.
add a comment |
up vote
17
down vote
up vote
17
down vote
No, you can't.
An extension cord is designed for temporary use. Many of us (myself included) will use an extension cord on a "semi-permanent" basis.
But it is quite different to have an exposed extension cord and a hidden extension cord. An extension cord is not designed - or rated & tested - for use in a hidden location. Use in that matter raises the very real possibility of damage to the cord from repeated walking on the carpet going unnoticed until it is too late (e.g., fire). Wires are also rated based on temperature, and a cord that is rated for a particular temperature based on being in open air may not be safe when used under a carpet, where it may heat up quite a bit more - also increasing fire risk.
The proper way to use a floor outlet is to have a cutout in the carpet around the outlet, and ideally a cover on the outlet when it is not in use to avoid dirt (or even worse, spilled drinks) getting into the outlet. I see that type of outlet in hotels & conference rooms and it is a little ugly but functional and safe.
If you are not going to use the floor outlet at all, covering it with a movable rug is OK. But you should never cover an outlet or junction box of any type (e.g., including if you removed the outlet, capped the wires and put on a blank plate) with any permanent flooring like wall-to-wall carpet. All electrical connections (with very few exceptions) need to be easily accessible.
No, you can't.
An extension cord is designed for temporary use. Many of us (myself included) will use an extension cord on a "semi-permanent" basis.
But it is quite different to have an exposed extension cord and a hidden extension cord. An extension cord is not designed - or rated & tested - for use in a hidden location. Use in that matter raises the very real possibility of damage to the cord from repeated walking on the carpet going unnoticed until it is too late (e.g., fire). Wires are also rated based on temperature, and a cord that is rated for a particular temperature based on being in open air may not be safe when used under a carpet, where it may heat up quite a bit more - also increasing fire risk.
The proper way to use a floor outlet is to have a cutout in the carpet around the outlet, and ideally a cover on the outlet when it is not in use to avoid dirt (or even worse, spilled drinks) getting into the outlet. I see that type of outlet in hotels & conference rooms and it is a little ugly but functional and safe.
If you are not going to use the floor outlet at all, covering it with a movable rug is OK. But you should never cover an outlet or junction box of any type (e.g., including if you removed the outlet, capped the wires and put on a blank plate) with any permanent flooring like wall-to-wall carpet. All electrical connections (with very few exceptions) need to be easily accessible.
edited yesterday
answered 2 days ago
manassehkatz
4,566524
4,566524
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
That's not how you use those outlets
Those outlets are for putting a desk above them, and now you have power to the desk. I gather you've changed the usage of that room and now it is open space that is traversed by people, or you have a rug that can't fit without overlapping that floor outlet. Well, then, you don't use the floor outlet.
It is illegal to use extension cords (cordage) as a substitute for the permanent wiring of a building. I once saw a hefty 6/2 cord going to a powdercoat oven, drywalled right into the wall. On my next visit a few months later, there was EMT conduit and a receptacle there instead. Fire marshal had been by, I guess.
Running extension cord under carpet is a bad idea for so many reasons, as manassehkatz discusses. They do make special under-carpet cable, you might try researching that, but how you terminate that cable at the floor box will still be a major safety issue.
What's at stake here is the fire inspector finding the bad installation In the ashes (it's what they do), and declining your fire insurance, leaving you on the hook for the mortgage when they call it. (Even a non-recourse loan becomes recourse at that point, and worse, it can't be cleared in bankruptcy, nor can civil liability for injuries). The penalty is rare but harsh. Speaking of rare but harsh, manslaughter charges are also possible.
The right thing is to install additional wall outlets, or other floor outlets, where you actually do need them... Or if appropriate, hang a pendant from the ceiling. -Although if your building is built to recent Code, it will already have wall outlets strategically placed so any appliance with a 6' (2m) cord that's along a wall can reach an outlet with its own cord.
I hardly need to tell you how to plug more than 2 things into a receptacle.
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
That's not how you use those outlets
Those outlets are for putting a desk above them, and now you have power to the desk. I gather you've changed the usage of that room and now it is open space that is traversed by people, or you have a rug that can't fit without overlapping that floor outlet. Well, then, you don't use the floor outlet.
It is illegal to use extension cords (cordage) as a substitute for the permanent wiring of a building. I once saw a hefty 6/2 cord going to a powdercoat oven, drywalled right into the wall. On my next visit a few months later, there was EMT conduit and a receptacle there instead. Fire marshal had been by, I guess.
Running extension cord under carpet is a bad idea for so many reasons, as manassehkatz discusses. They do make special under-carpet cable, you might try researching that, but how you terminate that cable at the floor box will still be a major safety issue.
What's at stake here is the fire inspector finding the bad installation In the ashes (it's what they do), and declining your fire insurance, leaving you on the hook for the mortgage when they call it. (Even a non-recourse loan becomes recourse at that point, and worse, it can't be cleared in bankruptcy, nor can civil liability for injuries). The penalty is rare but harsh. Speaking of rare but harsh, manslaughter charges are also possible.
The right thing is to install additional wall outlets, or other floor outlets, where you actually do need them... Or if appropriate, hang a pendant from the ceiling. -Although if your building is built to recent Code, it will already have wall outlets strategically placed so any appliance with a 6' (2m) cord that's along a wall can reach an outlet with its own cord.
I hardly need to tell you how to plug more than 2 things into a receptacle.
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
up vote
8
down vote
That's not how you use those outlets
Those outlets are for putting a desk above them, and now you have power to the desk. I gather you've changed the usage of that room and now it is open space that is traversed by people, or you have a rug that can't fit without overlapping that floor outlet. Well, then, you don't use the floor outlet.
It is illegal to use extension cords (cordage) as a substitute for the permanent wiring of a building. I once saw a hefty 6/2 cord going to a powdercoat oven, drywalled right into the wall. On my next visit a few months later, there was EMT conduit and a receptacle there instead. Fire marshal had been by, I guess.
Running extension cord under carpet is a bad idea for so many reasons, as manassehkatz discusses. They do make special under-carpet cable, you might try researching that, but how you terminate that cable at the floor box will still be a major safety issue.
What's at stake here is the fire inspector finding the bad installation In the ashes (it's what they do), and declining your fire insurance, leaving you on the hook for the mortgage when they call it. (Even a non-recourse loan becomes recourse at that point, and worse, it can't be cleared in bankruptcy, nor can civil liability for injuries). The penalty is rare but harsh. Speaking of rare but harsh, manslaughter charges are also possible.
The right thing is to install additional wall outlets, or other floor outlets, where you actually do need them... Or if appropriate, hang a pendant from the ceiling. -Although if your building is built to recent Code, it will already have wall outlets strategically placed so any appliance with a 6' (2m) cord that's along a wall can reach an outlet with its own cord.
I hardly need to tell you how to plug more than 2 things into a receptacle.
That's not how you use those outlets
Those outlets are for putting a desk above them, and now you have power to the desk. I gather you've changed the usage of that room and now it is open space that is traversed by people, or you have a rug that can't fit without overlapping that floor outlet. Well, then, you don't use the floor outlet.
It is illegal to use extension cords (cordage) as a substitute for the permanent wiring of a building. I once saw a hefty 6/2 cord going to a powdercoat oven, drywalled right into the wall. On my next visit a few months later, there was EMT conduit and a receptacle there instead. Fire marshal had been by, I guess.
Running extension cord under carpet is a bad idea for so many reasons, as manassehkatz discusses. They do make special under-carpet cable, you might try researching that, but how you terminate that cable at the floor box will still be a major safety issue.
What's at stake here is the fire inspector finding the bad installation In the ashes (it's what they do), and declining your fire insurance, leaving you on the hook for the mortgage when they call it. (Even a non-recourse loan becomes recourse at that point, and worse, it can't be cleared in bankruptcy, nor can civil liability for injuries). The penalty is rare but harsh. Speaking of rare but harsh, manslaughter charges are also possible.
The right thing is to install additional wall outlets, or other floor outlets, where you actually do need them... Or if appropriate, hang a pendant from the ceiling. -Although if your building is built to recent Code, it will already have wall outlets strategically placed so any appliance with a 6' (2m) cord that's along a wall can reach an outlet with its own cord.
I hardly need to tell you how to plug more than 2 things into a receptacle.
answered 2 days ago
Harper
60.3k337122
60.3k337122
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
Edit: I just realized that the entire thing is flammable. The only reason I'm not deleting it is it might inspire a good idea.
One thing you could do is raise the rug using a platform made out of wood — a few 1x4s should be enough — with space cut out of it for the extension cord to take pressure off of it, then use a flat plug extension cord:
Rough sketch of what that would look like:
New contributor
1
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I'm guessing someone downvoted you because it seems like a dangerous answer, but they should have indicated that in a comment. Sorry.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
1
@DanielGriscom 🤷♂️ that is what downvotes are for. If this is dangerous, it would probably be a good idea to leave a comment explaining why though.
– Nonny Moose
yesterday
1
This would violate code because you are using an extension cord as a permanent substitution for an outlet. The same would apply if someone was willing to take a router and just cut out a big groove in the floor for the extension cord.
– nvuono
yesterday
I think that's what upvotes are for, but downvotes should be explained. It's generally clear why an answer is good, but there are many ways an answer can be bad, and it's good to explain why.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
Edit: I just realized that the entire thing is flammable. The only reason I'm not deleting it is it might inspire a good idea.
One thing you could do is raise the rug using a platform made out of wood — a few 1x4s should be enough — with space cut out of it for the extension cord to take pressure off of it, then use a flat plug extension cord:
Rough sketch of what that would look like:
New contributor
1
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I'm guessing someone downvoted you because it seems like a dangerous answer, but they should have indicated that in a comment. Sorry.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
1
@DanielGriscom 🤷♂️ that is what downvotes are for. If this is dangerous, it would probably be a good idea to leave a comment explaining why though.
– Nonny Moose
yesterday
1
This would violate code because you are using an extension cord as a permanent substitution for an outlet. The same would apply if someone was willing to take a router and just cut out a big groove in the floor for the extension cord.
– nvuono
yesterday
I think that's what upvotes are for, but downvotes should be explained. It's generally clear why an answer is good, but there are many ways an answer can be bad, and it's good to explain why.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
up vote
-1
down vote
Edit: I just realized that the entire thing is flammable. The only reason I'm not deleting it is it might inspire a good idea.
One thing you could do is raise the rug using a platform made out of wood — a few 1x4s should be enough — with space cut out of it for the extension cord to take pressure off of it, then use a flat plug extension cord:
Rough sketch of what that would look like:
New contributor
Edit: I just realized that the entire thing is flammable. The only reason I'm not deleting it is it might inspire a good idea.
One thing you could do is raise the rug using a platform made out of wood — a few 1x4s should be enough — with space cut out of it for the extension cord to take pressure off of it, then use a flat plug extension cord:
Rough sketch of what that would look like:
New contributor
edited yesterday
New contributor
answered yesterday
Nonny Moose
993
993
New contributor
New contributor
1
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I'm guessing someone downvoted you because it seems like a dangerous answer, but they should have indicated that in a comment. Sorry.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
1
@DanielGriscom 🤷♂️ that is what downvotes are for. If this is dangerous, it would probably be a good idea to leave a comment explaining why though.
– Nonny Moose
yesterday
1
This would violate code because you are using an extension cord as a permanent substitution for an outlet. The same would apply if someone was willing to take a router and just cut out a big groove in the floor for the extension cord.
– nvuono
yesterday
I think that's what upvotes are for, but downvotes should be explained. It's generally clear why an answer is good, but there are many ways an answer can be bad, and it's good to explain why.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
add a comment |
1
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I'm guessing someone downvoted you because it seems like a dangerous answer, but they should have indicated that in a comment. Sorry.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
1
@DanielGriscom 🤷♂️ that is what downvotes are for. If this is dangerous, it would probably be a good idea to leave a comment explaining why though.
– Nonny Moose
yesterday
1
This would violate code because you are using an extension cord as a permanent substitution for an outlet. The same would apply if someone was willing to take a router and just cut out a big groove in the floor for the extension cord.
– nvuono
yesterday
I think that's what upvotes are for, but downvotes should be explained. It's generally clear why an answer is good, but there are many ways an answer can be bad, and it's good to explain why.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
1
1
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I'm guessing someone downvoted you because it seems like a dangerous answer, but they should have indicated that in a comment. Sorry.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I'm guessing someone downvoted you because it seems like a dangerous answer, but they should have indicated that in a comment. Sorry.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
1
1
@DanielGriscom 🤷♂️ that is what downvotes are for. If this is dangerous, it would probably be a good idea to leave a comment explaining why though.
– Nonny Moose
yesterday
@DanielGriscom 🤷♂️ that is what downvotes are for. If this is dangerous, it would probably be a good idea to leave a comment explaining why though.
– Nonny Moose
yesterday
1
1
This would violate code because you are using an extension cord as a permanent substitution for an outlet. The same would apply if someone was willing to take a router and just cut out a big groove in the floor for the extension cord.
– nvuono
yesterday
This would violate code because you are using an extension cord as a permanent substitution for an outlet. The same would apply if someone was willing to take a router and just cut out a big groove in the floor for the extension cord.
– nvuono
yesterday
I think that's what upvotes are for, but downvotes should be explained. It's generally clear why an answer is good, but there are many ways an answer can be bad, and it's good to explain why.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
I think that's what upvotes are for, but downvotes should be explained. It's generally clear why an answer is good, but there are many ways an answer can be bad, and it's good to explain why.
– Daniel Griscom
yesterday
add a comment |
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1
What's your location? In the UK, if you cut off a plug you cut off the fuse. I don't believe US or European plugs have fuses in them.
– AndyT
yesterday