422.16 Flexible Cords

Flexible cord shall be permitted as follows:

1. To connect appliances to facilitate their frequent interchange or to prevent the transmission of noise or vibration or
2. To facilitate the removal or disconnection of appliances that are fastened in place, where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance or repair and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection.

Electrically operated in-sink waste disposers shall be permitted to be cord-and-plug-connected with a flexible cord identified as suitable in the installation instructions of the appliance manufacturer where all of the following conditions are met:

1. The length of the cord shall not be less than 450 mm (18 in.) and not over 900 mm (36 in.).
2. Receptacles shall be located to protect against physical damage to the flexible cord.
3. The receptacle shall be accessible.
4. The flexible cord shall have an equipment grounding conductor and be terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.

Exception: A listed appliance distinctly marked to identify it as protected by a system of double insulation shall not be required to be terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.

Built-in dishwashers and trash compactors shall be permitted to be cord-and-plug-connected with a flexible cord identified as suitable for the purpose in the installation instructions of the appliance manufacturer where all of the following conditions are met:

1. For a trash compactor, the length of the cord shall be 0.9 m to 1.2 m (3 ft to 4 ft) measured from the face of the attachment plug to the plane of the rear of the appliance.
2. For a built-in dishwasher, the length of the cord shall be 0.9 m to 2.0 m (3 ft to 6.5 ft) measured from the face of the attachment plug to the plane of the rear of the appliance.
3. Receptacles shall be located to protect against physical damage to the flexible cord.
4. The receptacle for a trash compactor shall be located in the space occupied by the appliance or adjacent thereto.
5. The receptacle for a built-in dishwasher shall be located in the space adjacent to the space occupied by the dishwasher. Where the flexible cord passes through an opening, it shall be protected against damage by a bushing, grommet, or other approved means.
6. The receptacle shall be accessible.
7. The flexible cord shall have an equipment grounding conductor and be terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.

Exception: A listed appliance distinctly marked to identify it as protected by a system of double insulation shall not be required to be terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.

Wall-mounted ovens and counter-mounted cooking units complete with provisions for mounting and for making electrical connections shall be permitted to be permanently connected or cord-and-plug-connected with a flexible cord identified as suitable for the purpose in the installation instructions of the appliance manufacturer.

A separable connector or a plug and receptacle combination in the supply line to an oven or cooking unit shall be identified for the temperature of the space in which it is located.

Range hoods and over-the-range microwave ovens with integral range hoods shall be permitted to be cord-and-plug-connected with a flexible cord identified as suitable for use on range hoods in the installation instructions of the appliance manufacturer, where all of the following conditions are met:

1. The length of the cord is not less than 450 mm (18 in.) and not over 1.2 m (4 ft).
2. Receptacles are located to protect against physical damage to the flexible cord.
3. The receptacle is supplied by an individual branch circuit.
4. The receptacle shall be accessible.
5. The flexible cord shall have an equipment grounding conductor and be terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.

Exception: A listed appliance distinctly marked to identify it as protected by a system of double insulation shall not be required to be terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.