2009 Code Revison and Interpretation Committee Code Interpretation (Last Update: December 22, 2009)

Section 110.26 & 110.32- (6/3/2009)

1. Does a trough that is utilized solely as a pathway (no taps on the feeder installed inside) require a 36 inch clearance in front of the removable covers?
   No.

1. If the answer to the above is NO, is a reasonable amount of clearance acceptable?
   Yes. See Sections 110.26 and 110.32.

Section 110.26(C)(2) - (9/9/2009)

1. Section 110.26(C)(2) states that required personnel doors shall open in the direction of egress and shall be equipped with panic bars, pressure plates, or other devices that are normally latched but open under simple pressure. Would a door that opens in the direction of egress and is equipped with a lever handle that requires a small amount of downward pressure to open the door meet the stated requirement?
   No.

1. The requirement for door devices of Section 110.26(C)(2) is the same in the NEC 2002 / LL-81 Electrical Code. For projects still under construction, that were filed under the NEC 2002 / LL-81 Electrical Code, would the response to a. be the same?
   Yes.

Section 200.6 and 200.7- (1/5/2009)

1. A 120V branch circuit, with a neural conductor, was installed in a conduit to feed a certain piece of equipment. Subsequently, it became necessary to use the same type of equipment but which operates at 208V, single phase (no neutral).
   No. See Sections 200.6 and 200.7(C).

1. Is it permissible to re-use the 120V branch circuit by utilizing the neutral conductor as a phase conductor and re-identifying it as an ungrounded conductor?
   No. See Sections 200.6 and 200.7(C).

Section 210.10- (7/8/2009)

1. Some of the newer ballasts for fluorescent fixtures are rated for 120 to 277 volts, including 208 and 240 volts. Section 210.10 of the NY City Electrical Code allows the use of two wire circuits of ungrounded conductors (208 V) for lighting circuits, as long as the switching devices and the overcurrent protection devices are of the 2-pole type.
   No. However, the branch circuit conductors must be identified, protected, and interrupted in accordance with the code requirements.

1. Does the NY City Electrical Code prohibit the use of this type of circuit for fluorescent fixtures in an office building?
   No. However, the branch circuit conductors must be identified, protected, and interrupted in accordance with the code requirements.

Section 210.12- (12/2/2009)

1. An existing residential apartment building with approximately 100 apartment units is undergoing minor electrical upgrades, involving the installation of a dedicated circuit with a GFCI protected outlet in the bathroom of each apartment. The existing electrical panel serving each apartment is in poor condition and unreliable. The apartments do not presently have AFCI protection. We are proposing the replacement of each apartment panel with a new panel, similar in size and rating as the existing panel. If the branch circuit wiring in each apartment remains as is, with the exception of the additional circuit to the bathroom, will AFCI protection be required to be provided for each apartment unit in accordance with Section 210.12?
   No.

Section 210.52(C)(3) & (4)- (7/8/2009)

1. Studio and One bedroom apartments.
   1. In studio-type dwelling units there is typically a single large multifunction living area. In this living area there is a couch, a bed and a small dining table depicted on the architect's floor plan. Is at least one receptacle outlet wired from a small-appliance branch circuit required to be installed in close proximity to the dining table, as per 210.52(B)(1)?
      Yes.
   
   
   1. In studio-type dwelling units, if the architect's floor plan does not depict the furniture layout, is at least one receptacle outlet wired from a small-appliance branch circuit required to be installed in close proximity to the dining table, as per 210.52(B)(1)?
      No.
   
   
   1. In one bedroom-type dwelling units there is typically a single large combined dining and living area. In this area there is a couch and a dining table depicted on the architect's floor plan. Is at least one receptacle outlet wired from a small-appliance branch circuit required to be installed in close proximity to the dining table, as per 210.52(B)(1)?
      Yes.
   
   
   1. In one bedroom-type dwelling units, if the architect's floor plan does not depict the furniture layout, is at least one receptacle outlet wired from a small-appliance branch circuit required to be installed in this combined area, as per 210.52(B)(1)?
      No.

1. In a dwelling unit there is a peninsular kitchen counter adjacent to a living room. A sink is installed in the center of the countertop. Is a receptacle outlet wired from a small-appliance branch circuit required at both ends of the peninsular countertop (one in the wall above the countertop and one in the peninsular end panel not more than 12 inches from the top of the countertop) under the following conditions:
   1. The countertop space behind the sink is less than 12 inches?
   
   
   1. The countertop space behind the sink is greater than 12 inches?
   Yes. See Section 210.52(c)(3) & (4).The space behind the sink is not a consideration, and Section 210.52(c)(1) is not applicable.

1. In a dwelling unit there is a peninsular kitchen counter adjacent to a living / dining room. A sink is installed in the center of the countertop. A receptacle wired from a small-appliance circuit in installed in the peninsular end panel not more than 12 inches from the top of the countertop. Can this receptacle also be used to meet the requirements of Section 210.52(a)(1)?
   Yes, only when the peninsular kitchen counter is adjacent to a dining room.

Section 220.12 & 220.14(J) - (9/9/2009)

1. When the calculated lighting load for a dwelling unit exceeds 3 VA / square foot, what lighting load should be included in a feeder load calculation - the calculated lighting load or the 3 VA / square foot?
   The calculated load. See Section 220.12.

1. If the calculated lighting load is included in a feeder load calculation, is it permissible to apply a demand factor or should the feeder capacity be based on a 100% load?
   See Table 220.42. The optional load calculation of Section 220.82 may also be used.

1. If a demand factor is permitted to be applied to a feeder load calculation, should the demand factor be in accordance with Table 220.42?
   Yes. See answer to b.

1. If the calculated lighting load is included in a feeder load calculation, should the general receptacles load be also added?
   Yes. See Section 220.14(J).

Section 220.82 - (9/9/2009)

1. Does the optional load calculation of Section 220.82 apply to a 208/120V, 3 phase, 4 wire service?
   Yes, so long as the feeder conductors have an ampacity of 100 or greater.

1. Are hard wired electrical powered air humidifiers part of the appliances listed in Section 220.82(B)(3)?
   Yes.

1. Is a hard wired electrical powered steam generator for a shower part of the appliances listed in Section 220.82(B)(3)?
   Yes.

Section 220.84(A) - (9/9/2009)

1. We are performing the electrical installation in an 11 story building with 31 apartments. Each apartment will include the following loads: an electric speed oven / microwave (3350 watts), a conventional electric oven (3350 watts) and bathroom under-floor electric heating mats (588 watts). Can the optional load calculation of Section 220.84 be used?
   No. All three conditions of Section 220.84(A) must be met.

Section 230.2 - (6/3/2009)

1. Two adjacent buildings, with separate electrical services, are under the same ownership. A six foot opening between the two buildings will be created to allow the ground floor areas of each building to be connected. Is it permissible to provide branch circuitry and/or feeders from one building's panelboard to serve equipment located in the other building's ground floor space?
   No. See Section 230.2.

Section 230.42(A)(1) - (4/8/2009)

1. For a new 800A service, the utility has provided one set of 500 kcmil conductors from their transformer to the end-box, and the necessary metering CTs rated at 400A nominal.
   1. Is it permissible to locate the 400A -CT cabinet in the building's electrical room?
      Yes. However, the conductors / bus bars inside the CT cabinet must comply with NYC Amendment 230.42(A)(1).
   
   
   1. Are the conductors from the service-entrance box to the CT cabinet required to be rated 800A?
      See NYC Amendment to Section 230.42(A)(1).

Section 230.42(A)(2) - (12/2/2009)

1. A proposed installation includes a utility furnished 1000 KVA exterior pad-mounted service transformer, 4 KV primary, 460/265 V secondary. The sum of the ampere ratings of the service disconnecting means, per 230.42(A)(2), is 3200 A, which would necessitate the installation of a minimum of 9 sets of 500 MCM service conductors.
   
   The utility has provided a service layout which indicates that the terminals of the transformer secondary can accommodate a maximum of 6 sets of 500 MCM cables.
   1. Is the service layout described above adequate to comply with the Exception to Section 230.42(A)(2) which requires documentation from the utility for a maximum demand of 4000 A:
      1. Provided the service entrance conductors are equal to maximum size and quantity of sets which the utility allows to be terminated at the transformer secondary?
         No.
      
      
      1. Provided he service entrance conductors have equal ampacity to maximum full load ampere rating of the utility transformer?
         No.
   
   
   1. If the service layout described above is not adequate, what documentation would be acceptable?
      The required documentation is a letter from the utility company recognizing the design load calculation, with a statement that the service conductors may be sized in accordance with the capacity identified by the utility company rather than the design load calculation.

Section 240.4 - (10/7/2009)

1. A 3 phase, 250V, 600A service switch is connected to the service end box (SEB) via a 12 inch long 4 inch nipple. Is it permissible to use 2 sets of 300 Kcmil cables and fuse the service switch at 600A?
   Yes. See Section 240.4(B).

1. A 3 phase, 250V, 1200A service switch is connected to the SEB via 3 sets of 4 X 500 Kcmil cables installed in 3 separate 3½ inch raceways. Is it permissible to fuse the service switch at 1200A?
   No. See Section 240.4(C).

Section 240.21- (4/8/2009)

1. An existing emergency system is comprised of four generators that feed one common paralleling switchgear. The system supplies emergency loads such as the fire alarm system, the lighting system and the elevators.
   1. The Fire Alarm System (FAS) in a separate new building will be supplied by the same emergency system. Is it permissible to locate the tap for this FAS at the bus of the paralleling switchgear?
      No.
   
   
   1. If not, where should the tap be located?
      The tap must be made ahead of the main disconnecting means located at the point of entry of the emergency feeder into the building.

Section 250.118- (12/2/2009)

1. Section 250.118 lists the acceptable types of equipment grounding conductors, stating that any combination of these types is permitted. The only available criteria for sizing the equipment grounding conductors are given in Table 250.122. There is no indication of whether a modification of the base requirements is permitted when using a combination of equipment grounding conductors. In some instances, where additional grounding capability beyond the metallic raceway system is considered, the cost associated with installing the conductors required by Table 250.122, including conduit size increase, often dictates the elimination of the added conductor altogether. It would seem beneficial to have the additional grounding path in such instances. The use of Table 250.66 would be a reasonable compromise. When the equipment grounding conductors specified in 250.118(1) are used in combination with the types specified in 250.118(2) thru (6), (12) or (13), is it permissible to select the equipment grounding conductor based on the size of the ungrounded conductors in each raceway using Table 250.66?
   No.

Section 250.122- (4/8/2009)

1. At a nursing home, we are installing an emergency generator which is part of a non-separately derived system. The generator is connected via a 3 pole transfer switch.
   1. Is a supplementary grounding electrode required for the generator?
      No.
   
   
   1. If so, should the electrode be sized in accordance with Section 250.122?
      N/A.

Section 250.134 & 250.136 - (5/6/2009)

1. At an industrial facility, we are installing two wall cabinets containing Direct Digital Controllers ("DDC") for the Building Management and Control System. The first cabinet is connected to a 120/208V, 3 phase, 100A power panel which is fed by a 480-120/208V step down transformer (delta/wye) with grounded neutral.
   
   The second cabinet is connected to a 120/208V, 3 phase, 100A emergency power panel which is fed by a 480-120/208V step down transformer (delta/wye) with grounded neutral. The transformer receives power from a 480V, 3 phase, 800A, 4W Emergency Power Distribution Panel.
   1. Is it permissible to bond the neutral of the transformer to either the transformer enclosure or to the power distribution panel enclosure if the grounding electrode conductor is run from that location to the nearest building steel column?
      Yes. See 250.30.
   
   
   1. In New York City, is it permissible to ground electrical enclosures (free standing or wall-mounted) or a non-current-carrying metal part of industrial machinery to the nearest building steel column?
      Yes, a connection to the building steel is permitted so long as the grounding requirements of Sections 250.134 and 250.136 are also followed.

Section 250.146- (10/7/2009)

1. We are installing a 20A, 120V grounding receptacle into a recessed metal outlet box within a sheetrock wall. A single gang metal adaptor (extension sleeve) is attached to the 1900 type outlet box (see attachment). Is a bonding jumper required between the receptacle and the outlet box?
   Yes, unless the receptacle is self-grounding. See Section 250.146(B).

Section 300.11 - (1/5/2009)

1. Section 300.11 prohibits the use of the ceiling grid support wires for supporting raceways, splice boxes and fittings.
   1. Does this requirement also apply to the carrying channel of a ceiling suspension system?
      No.
   
   
   1. Is it permissible to support a ¾" conduit and the associated boxes from the carrying channel?
      Yes.

Section 314.23 (F) - (2/4/2009)

1. We are currently installing the wiring for a fire alarm system which will be enclosed in a ¾" rigid metal conduit. The conduit will run above a non-fire-rated drop ceiling and will be supported by the carrying channel of the ceiling support system. The smoke detectors will be mounted in round boxes and spaced every 30 feet. The boxes will be supported by the ¾" conduit and by Caddy Snap On Fixture / Box Hangers. The conduit will be strapped on each side of the box, at no more than 2 feet from the box. Will the boxes be adequately supported according to Section 314.23(F) Exception 2?
   No. Exception 2 of Section 314.23(F) does not apply. The installation must comply with the requirements of Section 314.23(F), and must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's mounting instructions for the Caddy Snap On Hangers.

Section 320.30 - (10/7/2009)

1. Is it permissible to use Type AC cables (#6/3, 4/3 & 3/3) as power risers, 125 feet high, installed in the same enclosure as plumbing and sprinkler pipes? The The cables would be separated from the pipes and supported together on kindorf, where accessible.
   Yes, so long as the Type AC cables are supported in accordance with the requirements of Sections 320.30(A), (B), and (C).

Section 330.30(B) & (C) - (9/9/2009)

1. In some office spaces and classroom areas of educational institutions, type MC cable is being used to supply such loads as lighting fixtures and power receptacles. The MC cables run in the space above the drop ceiling (plenum or non-plenum rated), supported by #16 steel tie-wire. The tie-wire is attached to a fastener that is drilled into the floor above, supporting several MC cables. Regarding the requirements of section 330.30(A), is a #16 steel tie-wire an acceptable means of supporting MC type cable for the installations described above?
   Yes, if the tie-wire is used within its ratings and installed in accordance with the requirements of Sections 330.30(B) & (C). Additionally, the MC cable must be secured in accordance with the requirements of Section 300.11.

Section 340.10 (1) - (2/4/2009)

1. We are designing a rooftop landscaping lighting system that will have the fixtures located inside decorative planters. The lighting fixtures will operate at 24 VAC and will be connected to the secondary of the step-down transformer via wiring imbedded into the planting soil. Is it permissible to use UF Type cable for direct burial into the planting soil?
   No. See NYC Amendment 340.10(1).

Section 340.10 (1) & 340.12 (12) - (2/4/2009)

1. We are designing a landscaping lighting system that will operate at 24 VAC. The lighting fixtures will be connected to the secondary of the step-down transformer via underground wiring. Is it permissible to use UF Type cable for direct burial?
   N o. See NYC Amendments 340.10(1) and 340.12(12).

Section 408.50 - (2/4/2009)

1. Section 408.50 requires that switchboard panels be made of a moisture-resistant, noncombustible material. No reference is made to metallic or nonmetallic materials.
   1. Is it permissible to install nonmetallic panels in NYC buildings?
      The NYC Electrical Code does not address this issue. However, other jurisdictions may have authority.
   
   
   1. If the answer to (a) is Yes, can nonmetallic panels be installed for the service equipment inside buildings?
      Yes, if the nonmetallic panels are listed for the purpose. However, other jurisdictions may also have jurisdiction.
   
   
   1. Can nonmetallic panels be installed for the protection of life safety circuits or fire alarm circuits?
      No.
   
   
   1. Can nonmetallic panels be used for exit signs?
      Yes.

Section 410.29 - (9/9/2009)

1. The NY City amendment to Section 410.29 of the 2005 NEC states that "the use of exposed flexible cord or fixture wire is not permitted for show and wall cases." Does this requirement apply to the connection from the case to the branch-circuit, as well as to the connections inside the case?
   Yes.

Section 410.73(G) - (1/5/2009)

1. In accordance with Section 410.73(G), fluorescent luminaires that are installed in indoor locations other than dwellings and have ballasts that can be serviced in place, must have a disconnecting means to allow the servicing of the ballast. For existing luminaires, are such disconnecting means required to be installed:
   1. when replacing the ballasts?
   
   
   1. when retrofitting the luminaires?
   It is the opinion of the Committee that for existing luminaires, ballast disconnecting means are not required to be added when replacing the ballasts or retrofitting the luminaires while in place.

Section 411.4 - (5/6/2009)

1. We are considering installing 24V exterior LED fixtures under a theater canopy. The fixture and the connecting flexible cord are listed as an assembly for use in wet locations. The fixtures will be mounted on a steel angle under the canopy, and the flexible cords will run exposed (not in direct sunlight) along the steel angle to a junction box. The 24V power supply, located inside the building, is connected to the junction box by THHN wiring contained in a conduit that penetrates the exterior wall. Is this proposed installation in compliance with Section 411.4?
   Yes.

Section 430.102 - (10/7/2009)

1. We are designing the sewage ejector / storm detention tanks for an existing facility. The tanks have submersible pumps and will be buried outside the building. The pump controllers will be mounted remotely, approximately 100 feet inside the building. Section 430.102 requires that a disconnecting means be provided for the controller, and a second disconnecting means for the pump motor located within sight of the pump. However, the Exception to 430.102(B) states that the motor disconnecting means is not required when the controller disconnecting means is capable of being locked in open position. Is our statement of Section 430.102 correct?
   Yes.

Section 450.21(B) & 110.26(C) - (4/8/2009)

1. Are electrical panels located in the same room as the loads they are serving required to be enclosed in an electrical closet?
   No.
   1. Would the answer to a. change if a transformer is added to the room?
      See Section 450.21(B).
   
   
   1. If the answer to a1 is Yes, what is the KVA rating of the transformer that triggers this requirement?
      See Section 450.21(B).

1. 1. Does the Ampere rating or the KVA rating of electrical equipment determine if that equipment needs to be in an electrical closet?
      No. See Section 110.26(C).
   
   
   1. If the answer to b. is Yes, what is the Ampere rating or the KVA rating of the equipment that triggers this requirement?
      See Section 110.26(C).

1. When a conduit riser or a bus duct is located in the same room as the electrical panel, is an electrical closet required?
   No. A singular conduit riser or a bus duct is not considered "substantial equipment" as articulated in the definition of Electric Closet in the NYC Amendment to Article 100.

Section 692.2 - (5/6/2009)

1. We have installed a 30 HP booster pump in the Electrical Room located in the cellar of an existing building that is less than 100 feet high. The pump has provisions for a 200% rated overcurrent protection device. According to Section 692.2 of the NYC Electrical Code (see the Amendment), is this pump considered to be a fire pump, requiring a 600% rated overcurrent protection device?
   Yes.

Section 695.4(B) - (6/3/2009)

1. A fire pump will be installed to serve a campus type group of buildings. The buildings have a Co-Generation plant as their primary source of power, while the utility feed is the back-up source of power. Regardless of what is considered to be the "normal" source of power, the fire pump overcurrent protection device must be rated at 600% of the running current. For the "emergency" source of power, the fire pump overcurrent protection device has to be rated at 150% of the running current.
   1. Is the Co-Gen plant considered the "normal" service and the utility feed the "emergency / stand-by" source?
   
   
   1. Is the Co-Gen plant considered the "emergency" source and the utility feed the "normal" service?
   According to Section 695.4(B) (specifically the NYC Amendment), for a utility service, the fire pump overcurrent protection must be selected at 600% and for the generator supply (Co-Gen plant) 150% overcurrent protection is required.
   
   If the reverse is desired, one may request special permission through the Department's Electrical Advisory Board upon confirmation that the Co-Gen source is compliant with the Public Service Commission (PSC) requirements for utilities.

Section 695.6(B) - (12/2/2009)

1. Section 695.6(B) requires that the fire pump supply conductors (normal & emergency) be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and must be protected to resist fire, structural failure or operational damage. One of the methods allowed by this section for protecting these conductors is "a listed electrical circuit protective system with a minimum 1-hour fire rating". We have an application where a basement located fire pump will be fed via a 2-hour fire rated MC type cable (3 X 3/0) from a roof-top located generator. In this high-rise building there is a spare 3½ inch EMT riser which runs through existing pull boxes that already contain other emergency feeders from the generator. The cable will have no splices and stainless steel cable supports will be used in the pull boxes. The cable manufacturer was consulted for this installation. Is it permissible to run the vertical section of the MC cable (straight vertical, no elbows on top or bottom) through the spare conduit and the existing pull boxes?
   Yes, so long as the cable supports are provided in accordance with the listing for the MC cable as a fire rated assembly and the listing permits the installation of the cable in conduit.

Section 700.5(A) & 702.5 - (4/8/2009)

1. Sections 700.5(A) and 702.5 require that an emergency generator or a standby generator shall have "adequate capacity and rating to supply all the loads to be operated simultaneously." Is this requirement intended to allow the sizing of the generator based on the anticipated metering demand?
   No. The sizing of the generator must be based on the calculated load; see Article 220.

Section 700.9(B) - (1/5/2009)

1. We are considering installing an 8 foot long fluorescent fixture with up and down lights that will be fed respectively by normal power and by emergency power. The fixture has 2 transformers, located in a common compartment, that are energized through a common power cord.
   1. Would this installation be compliant with Section 700.9(B)?
      No.
   
   
   1. Is the fixture required to be listed for the purpose?
      Yes.
   
   
   1. Are 2 power cords required instead of one?
      Yes.

Section 700.9(B) - (4/8/2009)

1. We are considering using a surface metallic raceway with a divider and a common cover to run the wiring of both the "normal" and "emergency" power. Would this wiring method comply with the requirement of "entirely independent" of Section 700.9(B)?
   No.

1. If the answer to a. is No, would separate covers provide for a Code compliant installation?
   No.

Section 700.9(D)(1) - (6/3/2009)

1. In an existing building where there is a change in occupancy type, a new emergency generator is to be installed to support life safety loads as defined by the Building Code. The life safety loads include elevators, egress lighting and the fire alarm system. The intent is to intercept the existing supply feeders presently providing utility power to these loads. The intercept would divert the existing feeder to the normal terminal of the automatic transfer switches (ATS) and the load terminal would be connected back to the diverted feeder. The emergency terminal of the ATS will be connected to the generator supply.
   1. In existing buildings with a change in occupancy type, is it permissible to reuse existing feeders for life safety systems which are not protected as described in Section 700.9(D)(1)?
      No.
   
   
   1. In existing buildings with a change in occupancy type, is it permissible to extend existing feeders to and from new automatic transfer switches for life safety systems which are not protected as described in Section 700.9(D)(1)?
      No.
   
   
   1. In existing buildings with a change in occupancy type, are new emergency feeders from the generator source to automatic transfer switches for life safety systems required to comply with Section 700.9(D)(1)?
      Yes.

Section 725.55 (A) - (2/4/2009)

1. We are installing a Fire Alarm System at a telephone company earth station building. As part of the system, we are providing the non-power-limited circuit to the Control Panel as well as the power-limited alarm circuits. Is it permissible to extend the equipment grounding conductor of the non-power-limited circuit and run it in the same conduit as the power-limited circuits?
   No. See Section 725.55(A).

Section 725.55(B) - (12/2/2009)

1. Is there a listed definition of the term "barrier" as used in the NEC Sections 725.55(B), 725.55(D)(2)a, 725.55(J)(1), 727.5 Exception #1, 800.133(A)(1)c Exception #1, 820.133(A)(1)(2) Exception #1 and 830.133(A)(1)d Exception #1?
   No. However, the intent of the term "barrier" as used in the above referenced sections is that it provides isolation and be made of a material suitable for the application.

Article 328 - (4/8/2009)

1. We are planning to install 5 KV shielded cables in a manhole that already contains 15 KV shielded cables. Each of the existing cables is wrapped in its entire length with fireproofing tape, secured by a second glass-cloth tape.
   1. Is it permissible to install the 5 KV cables in the same manhole as the 15 KV cables without permanently and effectively separating the two systems?
      No.
   
   
   1. Is it permissible to install the 5 KV cables in the same manhole as the 15 KV cables if the two systems are permanently and effectively separated?
      Yes.
2. The same scenario as in a. above, but for a common pullbox.
   1. Is it permissible to install the cables of the two systems in the same pullbox without permanent and effective separation?
      No.
   
   
   1. Is it permissible to install the cables of the two systems in the same pullbox with permanent and effective separation?
      Yes.

Article 605 - (5/6/2009)

1. With regard to fixed and freestanding office partitions installed in New York City:
   1. Is the use of electrical power strips / bars permissible, and if so are there any restrictions?
      Yes, relocatable power taps may be used in NYC so long as they are used within their listing. See Section 110.3(B). Please be aware that listings include limitations such as prohibitions against "daisy chaining" and permanently affixing the wiring to the building / partition. Physical protection is required for the power cord (See Section 400.8(7)).
   
   
   1. Are task lights permitted to be "daisy chained" together, and if so are there any restrictions?
      Yes, if they are listed for the intended purpose and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. See Section 605.5.
   
   
   1. Can extension cords be used in conjunction with office equipment (i.e. computers, printers, fax machines), and if so are there any restrictions?
      Yes, so long as they are used within their listing, between the building/partition wiring and the respective piece of office equipment.