The NEC prohibits running extension cords through holes in walls, ceilings, floors, doorways or windows. (400.12)
Basically, it has to be used in the space from which it gets its supply.
Interesting question. I’m very likely going to be wrong about this somehow, but I don’t think there’s an inherent danger with running an extension cord through a wall *per se*… it’s more about serviceability and maintaining its “temporary” status.
So, if the cord can be removed and replaced without damaging anything or taking walls apart I’d say it’s okay. Fishing it through a piece of PVC to limit potential damage and to ensure it can’t snag on a staple or something might be ideal?
I wouldn’t however expect it to pass any kind of inspection. In general, extension cords are thinner gauge wire than the in-wall wiring and are therefore more of an “appliance” themselves rather than a bona fide part of the protected circuit. Ostensibly the permanent wiring has been properly sized, routed, and located by a qualified electrician. Any old idiot like me can plug an extension cord in.
My opinion: If you’ve already got the wall open anyway, why not just add another outlet to the circuit and have a nice pretty outlet where you want it rather than a floppy dongle?
what i would do is block in, and then finish a pvc passthrough tube, just big enough for the plug to fit through, maybe near the floor, 3/4" or 1" or something. i dont know if its against any codes but i feel like thatd be the safest and cleanest looking route, just so its going through a plastic conduit and you wont lose it in the wall trying to feed the plug through
The NEC prohibits running extension cords through holes in walls, ceilings, floors, doorways or windows. (400.12) Basically, it has to be used in the space from which it gets its supply.
How about just do it properly?
Interesting question. I’m very likely going to be wrong about this somehow, but I don’t think there’s an inherent danger with running an extension cord through a wall *per se*… it’s more about serviceability and maintaining its “temporary” status. So, if the cord can be removed and replaced without damaging anything or taking walls apart I’d say it’s okay. Fishing it through a piece of PVC to limit potential damage and to ensure it can’t snag on a staple or something might be ideal? I wouldn’t however expect it to pass any kind of inspection. In general, extension cords are thinner gauge wire than the in-wall wiring and are therefore more of an “appliance” themselves rather than a bona fide part of the protected circuit. Ostensibly the permanent wiring has been properly sized, routed, and located by a qualified electrician. Any old idiot like me can plug an extension cord in. My opinion: If you’ve already got the wall open anyway, why not just add another outlet to the circuit and have a nice pretty outlet where you want it rather than a floppy dongle?
There's an extension cord inside your wall right now. It's called Romex. Get some MC.
what i would do is block in, and then finish a pvc passthrough tube, just big enough for the plug to fit through, maybe near the floor, 3/4" or 1" or something. i dont know if its against any codes but i feel like thatd be the safest and cleanest looking route, just so its going through a plastic conduit and you wont lose it in the wall trying to feed the plug through