Electrical Safety for Temporary Food Facilities

Electrical Safety for Temporary Food Facilities

Temporary facilities that require electrical service during special events are permitted to use University power sources. Use of University power must be done safely to minimize potential hazards to students, staff, faculty, and campus visitors.
The event organizers must contact the campus's Facility Services Electrical Shop for necessary electrical installations for vendors. Only authorized individuals may access the main power panel to attach extension cords. The following are the minimum requirements for use of University power.

Extension Cord Requirements:

  1. All electrical extension cords must be free of cracks, cuts, taped areas, splices or any other damage. Electrical plugs must have a ground prong.
  2. All electrical cords must be "UL" rated and properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
  3. Use only three-wire extension cords.
  4. If two extension cords must be connected in a series, the male/female connectors must be secured (e.g., taped) to prevent disconnection. No more than two extension cords should be used in series.
  5. When extension cord use is the only option, the total length should not exceed 100 feet.
  6. Electrical cords must not run in gutters or other wet or potential wet locations.
  7. A minimum size 16 AWG extension cord is required. When a size 16 AWG extension cord is used, the total power demand may not exceed 9 amps (1080 watts). If a size 14 AWG extension cord is used, the total power demand may not exceed 12 amp (1440 watts). If a size 12 AWG extension cord is used, the total power demand may not exceed 16 amps (1920 watts). [amps x 120 = watts]
  8. Extension cords should not present a tripping, blocking, or shock hazard (e.g., not run in gutter).

Vendor Equipment and Appliance Requirements:

  1. All electrical devices (e.g., crock pots, ovens, microwaves) must be "UL" rated and be properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
  2. Appliance wiring must be maintained in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC).

Power Strips:

  1. Multiple outlet power strips should not be used in series.
  2. Multiple outlet power strip must be fuse, circuit breaker or be GFI protected.
  3. Multiple plug-in adapters, 3-pole to 2-pole adapters, screw-bulb adapters and other similar devices are not permitted.

We encourage you to ask questions about any other safety concerns you may have. For further information or to discuss specific issues not addressed, please contact your event organizer prior to the event.