Electrical question

[RobA]

I have a spotlight on my barn that is hardwired with Romex type wiring. What if I were to disconnect the wire from the power source and splice a piece of heavy duty extension cord on to it so that it can be plugged into a timer device? (The timer device is controlled by by a driveway alarm system). Does this present any kind of problem or hazard?

 

[Diggin It]

Probably not to code, but should work fine without hazard as long as the timer device can handle the lamp wattage.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have done it too. Have a flexible cord to a permanently mounted exterior light so I could plug it into an X-10 plug in module. Not to code. I guess, being in permanant service, no one will ever handle it (like an extension cord) and determine that it has become compromised. Funny though, they don't allow a plug ended BX either!

 

[CobyRupert]

If you splice it in a box, to a proper cord, I think, without looking, that could be to code
Using a piece of lead cord? What some call extension cord. Not sure if that’s to code, but practically, will work.
When in doubt use a ground fault for extra safety on the circuit.

Check the amp rating for those plug in type timers. Usually not much.
This rating needs to be greater than the amperage (amps) of the lights. It might have different ratings for lights, ballasts, “resistive” (heaters) and “impedance” (motors, ballasts) loads.
Amps of the lights is their wattage divided by 120 volts. (Example 120 watt light would use 1 amp.)
Change your spotlight to LED if light’s amperage is too large.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have run into this before. You want a circuit run off a UPS. How legally do you have a plug ended cord that can go to a junction box? Like I said, they won't even allow a plug ended BX cable. I did that, but it isn't to code. At least it won't deteriorate.

 

[LouNY]

As per Coby it should be fine,
but just add a receptacle into the box and plug on the cord and you will be 100% in compliance.

 

[kcflhrc]

In compliance in one neck of the woods may not be compliant in another. Extension cord? Negative Ghost Rider. Put a male end on a piece of romex and that would have a better chance of being up to "Code" But actually, will anyone ever check it?

 

[Roadworthy]

If you're worried about meeting code all the wiring outside the barn should be in conduit not in NM wire (Romex). If you get a decent timer you can actually terminate your wire inside the timer. Of the potential solutions I've seen I liked the idea of terminating your existing wiring in a plug best.

 

[RNeumann]

Probably not to code, but should work fine without hazard as long as the timer device can handle the lamp wattage.

Ditto. If you match the romex and extension cord size that’s a plus. It’s likely 12 or 14g.

To do it to code you would likely need to splice the timer into the spotlight- no extension cord. Use romex instead.

 

[RobA]

Thanks. Sounds like I'm ok. I planned on using a junction box for the splice. The spot lights are LEDs. The timer is rated for 250 watts max. I'm more worried about a hazard than an inspector.