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422.16(B)(2) Flexible Cords Requirements for Built-in Dishwashers and Trash Compactors

Revision

Change Summary

  • Dishwashers are still permitted to be cord-and-plug connected and the receptacle outlet is still required to be located in the space adjacent to the space occupied by the dishwasher with a maximum length of a cord for a built-in dishwasher of 2.0 m (6.5 ft). A flexible cord installed for this purpose passing through an opening is required to be protectedagainst damage by a bushing, grommet, or other approved means. The flexible cord is required to contain an equipment grounding conductor and be terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.
NEC® Text

422.16 Flexible Cords.
(B) Specific Appliances
(2) Built-in Dishwashers and Trash Compactors.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) The flexible cord shall be terminated with a groundingtype attachment plug.
Exception: A listed dishwasher or trash compactor 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.
(1)(2) 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)(3) 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)(4) Receptacles shall be located to protect against physical damage to the flexible cord.
(4)(5) The receptacle for a trash compactor shall be located in the space occupied by the appliance or adjacent thereto.
(5)(6) 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)(7) 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 dishwasher or trash compactor 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.

Material taken from the National Electric Code® is reprinted with permission from NFPA 70®, 2020 edition.
National Electrical Code®, Copyright 2019, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. All rights reserved.

Expert Analysis

422.16(B)(2) Flexible Cords Requirements for Built-in Dishwashers and Trash Compactors

The 2020 NEC clarifies that the flexible cord for built-in dishwashers not only terminate with a grounding-type attachment plug, but also requires the cord to contain an equipment grounding conductor.

During the 2017 NEC revision cycle, 422.16(B)(2) was revised to only permit the receptacle outlet for a cord-and-plug-connected built-in dishwasher to be located “in the space adjacent to the space occupied by the dishwasher.” To accommodate this potential extended length of the cord for connection to a receptacle outlet in the adjacent cabinet space, the maximum length of a cord was extended from the previous maximum length of 1.2 m (4 ft) to 2.0 m (6.5 ft) measured from the face of the attachment plug to the plane of the rear of the appliance. When this change occurred last Code cycle, some in the electrical community argued that running a flexible cord through a drilled hole in a cabinet wall to the adjacent cabinet space made the flexible cord subject to physical damage and violated the “Uses Not Permitted” for a flexible cord at 400.12(2) and (7).

To help extinguish this argument, new Code language was added at 422.16(B)(2)(5) stipulating the flexible cord should be protected against damage by a “bushing, grommet, or other approved means.” A plastic furniture-type grommet found at most home improvement centers that allows a flexible cord to pass through a desktop to the area below the desk would seem to be the ideal or intended solution here.

 

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