400.7 Flexible Cords and Cables. Uses Permitted.
Code Change Summary: Language was added to describe a new way to use a flexible cord or cable.
In the 2014 NEC®, item 11 was added to Section 400.7 which details all of the permitted ways a flexible cord or cable can be used. Item 11 describes a new allowance which will greatly benefit the typical flat screen TV installation.
Its quite common to see homeowners hanging a flat screen TV on the wall and running the cord through a hole in the sheetrock just behind the TV down the stud cavity and popping back out in order to plug into the receptacle on the wall. This is a violation of NEC® 400.8(2) since flexible cords are not permitted to be run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors.
In the 2014 NEC®, Section 400.7(11) allows a flexible cord to be run between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet must be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this application.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2014 Code Language:
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.
(11) Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this application.