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422.16(B)(4) Flexible Cords and Microwave Oven/Range Hood Combinations

Revision

Change Summary

  • Revision clarifies that the same conditions are applicable to cord-and-plug-connected, over-the range microwave ovens incorporating range-hood as a range hood. The title of 422.16(B)(4) was changed to “Range Hoods and Microwave Oven/Range Hood Combinations.” Range hoods and over-the-range microwave ovens with integral range hoods are 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 and these appliances must meet five specific conditions.
NEC® Text

422.16 Flexible Cords.
(B) Specific Appliances.
(4) Range Hoods and Microwave Oven/Range Hood Combinations. 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 flexible cord is terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.
Exception: A listed range hood 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) The length of the cord is not less than 450 mm (18 in.) and not over 1.2 m (4 ft).
(2)(3) Receptacles are located to protect against physical damage to the flexible cord.
(3)(4) The receptacle is supplied by an individual branch circuit.
(4) The receptacle is accessible.
(5) The flexible cord shall have an equipment grounding conductor and be terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.
Exception: A listed range hood 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

Revisions were made at 422.16(B)(4) to clarify without any doubt that a range hood that is incorporated into a microwave oven is indeed subject to all of the requirements spelled out by this section of the Code. For the 2020 NEC the title of 422.16(B)(4) was changed from simply “Range Hoods” to “Range Hoods and Microwave Oven/Range Hood Combinations”.

422.16(B)(4) Flexible Cords and Microwave Oven/Range Hood Combinations

Beginning with the 2005 NEC, range hoods have been permitted to be cord- and plug connected. This includes appliances that are a combination microwave oven and range hoods. The installation instructions for said appliance will typically identify the types of flexible cords that are suitable for the application. Flexible cords supplied with listed appliances are considered to be suitable for the application. The flexible cord must terminate in a grounding-type attachment plug that now includes an equipment grounding conductor. In order for a range hood or a range hood/microwave oven combination to utilize a cord-and-plug connection, five specific conditions must ALL be met (see NEC or Code language provided here for these conditions). One of these conditions demands that in order to cord and-plug connect one of these appliances, the receptacle must be supplied by “an individual branch circuit.” This would apply to a simple range hood or a range hood/microwave oven combination.

This requirement for and individual branch circuit is to account for an ordinary range hood being replaced with a range hood/microwave oven combination, which can demand up to 8 to 12 amps and have become common in dwelling units.

 

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