by Jerry Peck - Codeman on Sat Aug 31, 2013 11:52 am
Marc,
I forgot to add this: if I found flexible cord used to connect to a FAU I would look hard for a reason for the flexible cord to have been used as there likely is not a suitable reason for using flexible cord to connect to a FAU ... finding flexible cord would be a red flag to me.
And if a cord and plug was used for the FAU, then there is no cord and plug set approved for that use and the plug would be a problem as it would likely not be rated for that use - but I would need to know more about the FAU to determine that for sure.
The reason is this:
From the 2008 NEC (bold and underlining are mine)
- ARTICLE 400 Flexible Cords and Cables
- - 400.7 Uses Permitted.
- - - (A) Uses. Flexible cords and cables shall be used only for the following:
- - - - (1) Pendants
- - - - (2) Wiring of luminaires
- - - - (3) Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobile signs, or appliances
- - - - (4) Elevator cables
- - - - (5) Wiring of cranes and hoists
- - - - (6) Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequent interchange
- - - - (7) Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration
- - - - (8) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair, and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection
- - - - (9) Connection of moving parts
- - - - (10) Where specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code
- - - (B) Attachment Plugs. Where used as permitted in 400.7(A)(3), (A)(6), and (A)(8), each flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from a receptacle outlet.
- - - - Exception: As permitted in 368.56.
- - - 400.8 Uses Not Permitted.
- - - - Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:
- - - - - (1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
- - - - - (2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
- - - - - (3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
- - - - - (4) Where attached to building surfaces
- - - - - - Exception to (4): Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.56(B)
- - - - - (5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
- - - - - (6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code
- - - - - (7) Where subject to physical damage
I suspect it will be difficult to find an FAU installation which meets 400.7(8) and for which 400.8(1) could be applied. A food waste grinder would meet those restrictions as garage disposers are designed to meet "fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal", so a cord and plug could be used there as that would also meet 400.7(B) allowing the plug to be used.
"(B) Attachment Plugs. Where used as permitted in 400.7(A)(3), (A)(6), and (A)(8), each flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from a receptacle outlet."
When 400.7(A)(8) is used ... and attachment plug "shall" be used and plugged into a "receptacle outlet" - except as allowed by 368.56 (which is not applicable here):
- ARTICLE 368 Busways
- - 368.56 Branches from Busways.
Jerry Peck - CodeMan
AskCodeMan.com
Construction Litigation Consultant - Retired
Construction and Code Consultant - Semi Retired