Article 382

Nonmetallic Extensions

Part I. General

1. Scope. This article covers the use, installation, and construction specifications for nonmetallic extensions.
2. Definitions.

Concealable Nonmetallic Extension. A listed assembly of two, three, or four insulated circuit conductors within a nonmetallic jacket, an extruded thermoplastic covering, or a sealed nonme‐ tallic covering. The classification includes surface extensions intended for mounting directly on the surface of walls or ceil‐ ings, and concealed with paint, texture, joint compound, plas‐ ter, wallpaper, tile, wall paneling, or other similar materials.

Nonmetallic Extension. An assembly of two insulated conduc‐ tors within a nonmetallic jacket or an extruded thermoplastic covering. The classification includes surface extensions inten‐ ded for mounting directly on the surface of walls or ceilings.

382.6 Listing Requirements. Concealable nonmetallic exten‐ sions and associated fittings and devices shall be listed. The starting/source tap device for the extension shall contain and provide the following protection for all load-side extensions and devices:

1. Supplementary overcurrent protection
2. Level of protection equivalent to a Class A GFCI
3. Level of protection equivalent to a portable GFCI
4. Line and load-side miswire protection
5. Provide protection from the effects of arc faults

Part II. Installation

382.10 Uses Permitted. Nonmetallic extensions shall be permitted only in accordance with 382.10(A), (B), and (C).

1. From an Existing Outlet. The extension shall be from an existing outlet on a 15- or 20-ampere branch circuit. Where a concealable nonmetallic extension originates from a non– grounding-type receptacle, the installation shall comply with 250.130(C), 406.4(D)(2)(b), or 406.4(D)(2)(c).
2. Exposed and in a Dry Location. The extension shall be run exposed, or concealed as permitted in 382.15, and in a dry location.
3. Residential or Offices. For nonmetallic surface exten‐ sions mounted directly on the surface of walls or ceilings, the building shall be occupied for residential or office purposes and shall not exceed three floors abovegrade. Where identified for the use, concealable nonmetallic extensions shall be permitted more than three floors abovegrade.

Informational Note No. 1: See 310.15(A)(3) for temperature limitation of conductors.

Informational Note No. 2: See 362.10 for definition of First Floor.

382.12 Uses Not Permitted. Nonmetallic extensions shall not be used as follows:

1. In unfinished basements, attics, or roof spaces
2. Where the voltage between conductors exceeds 150 volts for nonmetallic surface extensions and 300 volts for aerial cable
3. Where subject to corrosive vapors
4. Where run through a floor or partition, or outside the room in which it originates

382.15 Exposed.

1. Nonmetallic Extensions. One or more extensions shall be permitted to be run in any direction from an existing outlet, but not on the floor or within 50 mm (2 in.) from the floor.
2. Concealable Nonmetallic Extensions. Where identified for the use, nonmetallic extensions shall be permitted to be concealed with paint, texture, concealing compound, plaster, wallpaper, tile, wall paneling, or other similar materials and installed in accordance with 382.15(A).

382.26 Bends.

1. Nonmetallic Extensions. A bend that reduces the normal spacing between the conductors shall be covered with a cap to protect the assembly from physical damage.
2. Concealable Nonmetallic Extensions. Concealable exten‐ sions shall be permitted to be folded back over themselves and flattened as required for installation.

382.30 Securing and Supporting.

1. Nonmetallic Extensions. Nonmetallic surface extensions shall be secured in place by approved means at intervals not exceeding 200 mm (8 in.), with an allowance for 300 mm (12 in.) to the first fastening where the connection to the supplying outlet is by means of an attachment plug. There shall382.30 ARTICLE 384 — STRUT-TYPE CHANNEL RACEWAY
   be at least one fastening between each two adjacent outlets supplied. An extension shall be attached to only woodwork or plaster finish and shall not be in contact with any metal work or other conductive material other than with metal plates on receptacles.
2. Concealable Nonmetallic Extensions. All surface- mounted concealable nonmetallic extension components shall be firmly anchored to the wall or ceiling using an adhesive or mechanical anchoring system identified for this use.

382.40 Boxes and Fittings. Each run shall terminate in a fitting, connector, or box that covers the end of the assembly. All fittings, connectors, and devices shall be of a type identified for the use.

382.42 Devices.

1. Receptacles. All receptacles, receptacle housings, and self-contained devices used with concealable nonmetallic exten‐ sions shall be identified for this use.
2. Receptacles and Housings. Receptacle housings and self- contained devices designed either for surface or for recessed mounting shall be permitted for use with concealable nonme‐ tallic extensions. Receptacle housings and self-contained devi‐ ces shall incorporate means for facilitating entry and termination of concealable nonmetallic extensions and for electrically connecting the housing or device. Receptacle and self-contained devices shall comply with 406.4. Power and communications outlets installed together in common housing shall be permitted in accordance with 800.133(A)(1)(d), Exception No. 2.382.56 Splices and Taps. Extensions shall consist of a continu‐ ous unbroken length of the assembly, without splices, and with‐ out exposed conductors between fittings, connectors, or devices. Taps shall be permitted where approved fittings completely covering the tap connections are used. Aerial cable and its tap connectors shall be provided with an approved means for polarization. Receptacle-type tap connectors shall be of the locking type.
   Part III. Construction Specifications (Concealable Nonmetal‐ lic Extensions Only)382.100 Construction. Concealable nonmetallic extensions shall be a multilayer flat conductor design consisting of a center ungrounded conductor enclosed by a sectioned groun‐ ded conductor, and an overall sectioned grounding conductor.382.104 Flat Conductors. Concealable nonmetallic extensions shall be constructed, using flat copper conductors equivalent to14 AWG or 12 AWG conductor sizes, and constructed per 382.104(A), (B), and (C).
   1. Ungrounded Conductor (Center Layer). The ungroun‐ ded conductor shall consist of one or more ungrounded flat conductor(s) enclosed in accordance with 382.104(B) and (C) and identified in accordance with 310.110(C).
   2. Grounded Conductor (Inner Sectioned Layers). The grounded conductor shall consist of two sectioned inner flat conductors that enclose the center ungrounded conductor(s). The sectioned grounded conductor shall be enclosed by the sectioned grounding conductor and identified in accordance with 200.6.
   3. Grounding Conductor (Outer Sectioned Layers). The grounding conductor shall consist of two overall sectioned conductors that enclose the grounded conductor and ungrounded conductor(s) and shall comply with 250.4(A)(5). The grounding conductor layers shall be identified by any one of the following methods:
   1. As permitted in 250.119
   2. A clear covering
   3. One or more continuous green stripes or hash marks
   4. The term “Equipment Ground” printed at regular inter‐ vals throughout the cable
   382.112 Insulation. The ungrounded and grounded flat conductor layers shall be individually insulated and comply with 310.15(A)(3). The grounding conductor shall be covered or insulated.382.120 Marking.
   1. Cable. Concealable nonmetallic extensions shall be clearly and durably marked on both sides at intervals of not more than 610 mm (24 in.) with the information required by 310.120(A) and with the following additional information:
      1. Material of conductors
      2. Maximum temperature rating
      3. Ampacity
   2. Conductor Identification. Conductors shall be clearly and durably identified on both sides throughout their length as specified in 382.104.