Understanding NEC Article 605: Office Furnishings

NEC Article 605 establishes safety requirements for electrical equipment, wiring systems, and lighting accessories installed in or on office furnishings. These standards address both fixed and freestanding furnishings, ensuring safe and compliant installations in modern work environments.

Scope of Article 605

This article applies to:

• Electrical systems in office furnishings such as partitions, desks, and workstations.
• Systems designed for powering lighting, equipment, and communication systems integrated into office furnishings.

Exclusions:

• Individual furnishings not connected to a system (e.g., chairs, freestanding desks, tables, and shelving).

Key Requirements for Office Furnishings

1. Wiring Channels
   • Conductors and connections must be contained within wiring channels made of materials suitable for the installation environment.
   • Channels must prevent damage to conductor insulation.
2. Interconnections Between Furnishings
   • Flexible cords must be extra-hard usage type, with a minimum conductor size of 12 AWG, and contain an insulated equipment grounding conductor.
   • Cords must not exceed 600 mm (2 feet) in length and require proper strain relief.
3. Lighting Accessories
   • Lighting equipment must be listed, labeled, and identified for use with office furnishings.
   • Cord length for lighting must not exceed 2.7 meters (9 feet), with conductors no smaller than 18 AWG.
4. Fixed-Type Office Furnishings
   • Furnishings fixed to building surfaces must use permanent wiring methods as specified in NEC Chapter 3.
5. Freestanding Office Furnishings
   • Furnishings not fixed to the building may connect to electrical systems via flexible cords or permanent wiring.
   • Groups of interconnected freestanding furnishings must meet specific conditions:
     • Flexible cords for power must not exceed 2 feet.
     • A maximum of 13 receptacles (15-ampere, 125-volt) is allowed within a group.
6. Receptacle and Circuit Requirements
   • Receptacles supplying office furnishings must:
     • Be on a separate circuit serving only the furnishings.
     • Be located no more than 300 mm (12 inches) from the connected furnishing.

Applications

NEC Article 605 ensures safety in:

• Modular Workspaces: Cubicles and partitioned office setups.
• Integrated Office Systems: Workstations with built-in lighting and outlets.
• Custom Furnishings: Desks and storage units designed with electrical integrations.

Conclusion

NEC Article 605 provides a comprehensive framework for the safe installation of electrical systems in office furnishings. By adhering to its wiring, grounding, and connection requirements, workplaces can ensure functionality and compliance while minimizing risks.