422.16(B)(4) Range Hoods.
Code Change Summary: The length of a flexible cord for a range hood has been increased.
Some range hoods are as simple as a small cabinet mounted microwave unit with a built-in range hood while others are large and add to the overall architecture of the kitchen. In the 2017 NEC®, a proposal was accepted to increase the allowable length of a flexible cord for a range hood to 4 feet.
Previously, the NEC® allowed a range hood to be cord-and plug-connected if the cord was between 18 inches and 36 inches. Manufacturers have provided input with the listing agencies and voiced their concern regarding the cord length. Some range hoods on the market have a width of 48”, and in some cases greater. Allowing another foot of cord length would provide greater flexibility for product construction and field installation, and shouldn’t decrease the level of safety.
UL 507 is the standard used to evaluate range hoods and originally allowed the flexible cord to be up to 4 feet in length. The NEC® added the 36-inch requirement in 2005. Once the 36-inch limit was mentioned in the NEC®, the UL standard was changed so as not to be in conflict with the NEC®. Now that the NEC® allows up to a 4-foot cord length, the UL standard will be revised to match.
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 2017 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2014 Code Language:
422.16(B)(4) Range Hoods. 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: See actual NEC® for exception.
(2) The length of the cord is not less than 450 mm (18 in.) and not over 900 mm (36 in.).
(3) Receptacles are located to avoid physical damage to the flexible cord.
(4) The receptacle is accessible.
(5) The receptacle is supplied by an individual branch circuit.
2017 Code Language:
422.16(B)(4) Range Hoods. 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: See actual NEC® for exception.
(2) The length of the cord is not less than 450 mm (18 in.) and not over 1.2 m (4 ft).
(3) Receptacles are located to protect against physical damage to the flexible cord.
(4) The receptacle is accessible.
(5) The receptacle is supplied by an individual branch circuit.