422.16(B)(2) Built-in Dishwashers and Trash Compactors.
Code Change Summary: Revised code language on flexible cord connected dishwashers and trash compactors.
NEC Section 422.16(B) is all about the use of flexible cords with specific appliances. Many appliances can be wired either by flexible cord or a hard-wired connection method.
In the 2020 NEC®, the language in 422.16(B)(2) was revised for clarity and a new requirement was added for a bushing or grommet to be used at the point where a flexible cord for a dishwasher passes through an opening such as a kitchen cabinet.
Passing the cord through a cabinet wall is quite common since the UL 749 standard for household dishwashers requires the receptacle for the dishwasher to be adjacent to the under-counter space in which the appliance is to be installed.
Requiring a bushing or grommet will help to reduce the possibility of cord abrasion and conductor insulation failure.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
422.16(B)(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 grounding type 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.
(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.
(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.
(4) Receptacles shall be located to protect against physical damage to the flexible cord.
(5) The receptacle for a trash compactor shall be located in the space occupied by the appliance or adjacent thereto.
(6) The receptacle for a built-in dishwasher shall be located in the space adjacent to the space occupied by the dishwasher.
(7) The receptacle shall be accessible.
2020 Code Language:
422.16(B)(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) 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) 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) Receptacles shall be located to protect against physical damage to the flexible cord.
(4) The receptacle for a trash compactor shall be located in the space occupied by the appliance or adjacent thereto.
(5) 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) 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 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.