Flexible cords shall be used only for the connection of appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections of such appliances are designed to permit ready removal for maintenance, repair or frequent interchange and the appliance is listed for flexible cord connection. Flexible cords shall not be installed as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure; shall not be run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings or floors; shall not be concealed behind walls, floors, ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings. (400.7 and 400.8)
The ampere load of flexible cords serving fixed appliances shall be in accordance with Table E3909.2. This table shall be used in conjunction with applicable end use product standards to ensure selection of the proper size and type. Where flexible cord is approved for and used with a specific listed appliance, it shall be considered to be protected where applied within the appliance listing requirements. [240.4, 240.5(A), 240.5(B)(1), 400.5, and 400.13]
TABLE E3909.2 [Table 400.5(A)(1)] MAXIMUM AMPERE LOAD FOR FLEXIBLE CORDS
TABLE E3909.2 [Table 400.5(A)(1)] MAXIMUM AMPERE LOAD FOR FLEXIBLE CORDS
| CORD SIZE (AWG) | CORD TYPES S, SE, SEO, SJ, SJE, SJEO, SJO, SJOO, SJT, SJTO, SJTOO, SO, SOO, SRD, SRDE, SRDT, ST, STD, SV, SVO, SVOO, SVTO, SVTOO | |
| Maximum ampere load | ||
| Three current-carrying conductors | Two current-carrying conductors | |
| 18 | 7 | 10 |
| 16 | 10 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 18 |
| 12 | 20 | 25 |
Flexible cord shall be used only in continuous lengths without splices or taps. (400.9)
Where used in accordance with Section E3909.1, each flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from a receptacle outlet. [400.7(B)]