Just want to make sure I have this right. Appears to be some changes in the NEC/NFPA 70 for 2020 that allows some flexibility in using SJOOW type cable, however it doesn't seem to go as far as allowing it on stage.
I'm trying to improve/bring to code the stage electrical service on portable stages, primarily for music performance. I'm using some hard rubber outlet boxes with double duplex 5-20 and powercon in/out. They are from OAwindsor for those familiar. One run from spider box (20amp protected circuit) along UL to UR and one run from spider box outlet (20amp protected circuit) DL to DR. Spacing and number of outlets on each run would vary depending on stage size and band requirements, but most would be 3 outlet boxes on each run spaced 10 to 15 feet apart. As I understand it this requires SOOW or equivalent type cable and most reasonable to fit the powercon connections would be 14/3, which limits the load to 18 amps. I've considered placing a Furman unit with a 15amp breaker upstream in-between the stage outlets and the spider box, but reading through the NEC/NFPA 70 I can't decipher how those Furman units are defined, any clarity on that would be greatly appreciated. SOOW 12/3 would be the proper cable, but I haven't found any with an OD of 15mm or less that will fit the powercon connectors. The other option would be to use 12/3 SJOOW and make the case that the runs are UL to UR and DL to DR where there is literally no foot traffic. Portable stages used are typically anywhere from 28" to 48" high so you can't walk over the cable downstage without falling off and upstage they are between the backline gear no mans land and the stage handrails where only a tech or the musician would access. Appreciate any advice, guidance, recommendations or directions.