88 Modern Commercial Wiring Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 6.1.3 Flexible Cords and Cables Flexible cords fall into one of three categories: • For extra-hard usage • For hard usage • Not for hard usage. Table 400.4 of the Code lists some properties of various types of cords. The ampacities of the dif- ferent cords are found in Table 400.5(A)(1). When using these tables, note that the equipment grounding conductor, neutral, and bonding conductors are not counted when determining ampacity ratings of cords. Cords and cables are permitted to be used as pendant wiring, fi xture wiring, appliance con- fi nections, portable lamp (utility light) connec- tions, data processing equipment connections, elevator wiring and cabling, crane cabling, and hoist wiring. Cords and cables may not be used as a sub- stitute for permanent wiring. Generally, they may not be concealed, be permanently attached, or pass through walls, fl oors, or ceilings. They fl should be continuous and unspliced and should not be used as taps. Cords generally do not require a separate overcurrent protective device. The branch-cir- cuit fuse may serve as the sole protection for the cord. The grounded neutral conductor in a cord must be identifi with a white or natural gray fied separator. The equipment grounding conductor, which serves to ground the noncurrent-carry- ing parts of the cord supplied equipment, must always have a green color in the insulation, cov- ering, or braiding. Except for double-insulated equipment, an equipment grounding conductor must be provided in flexible cords. fl The table in Figure 6-5 lists some devices that may be cord and plug connected. No. 14 No. 10 No. 8 No. 1 No. 4/0 300 kcmil 700 kcmil Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 6-4. These cross sections show the relative sizes of various conductors. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 6-5. Rules for appliances with cords are found throughout the Code. Cord Requirements Device/Equipment De NEC Reference nc Remarks Kitchen he waste disposal 422.16(B) (B )( 1) 18″–36″ length ″ Dishwasher Di 422.1 2. 16 (B)(2) 36″–48″ length ″ Trash compactor 422.16(B)(2) 4 36″–48″ length ″ Wall-mounted oven 422.16(B)(3) Cord and plug may not be the th disconnect means Countertop cooking unit 422.16(B)(3) Cord and plug may not be b the disconnect means Cooking range 422.33(B) Cord and plug may y se s er ve as disconnect Portable motor (1/3 hp or less) 430.42(C) Cord and plug may ma serve as disconnect Room air conditioner 440.64 No longer tha h an 10′ Mobile home 550.10(D) 21′–36 1/2′ 1/ 2 maximum length Battery-powered emergency em lighting 700.12(F) No longer lo than 36″