Cords for dishwashers, disposals and range hoods

What the code requires

In-sink waste disposers: the cord must be 18 to 36 in. (450 to 900 mm) long, with an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding-type plug. The receptacle must be accessible and located to protect the cord.

Dishwashers: the cord must be 3 to 6.5 ft (0.9 to 2.0 m), measured from the face of the plug to the plane of the rear of the appliance. Trash compactors: 3 to 4 ft. The dishwasher receptacle goes in the space next to the dishwasher's space; a trash compactor's receptacle may be in the compactor's own space or next to it. Where the cord passes through an opening, it needs a bushing, grommet, smoothed edge or other approved protection.

Range hoods and over-the-range microwave/hood combinations: the cord must be 18 in. to 4 ft (450 mm to 1.2 m), with a grounding-type plug. The receptacle must be on an individual branch circuit, accessible and located to protect the cord. Wall ovens and counter-mounted cooktops may also be cord-connected if the cord is identified for that use and the plug suits the temperature of the space.

Cord-connected heated appliances with surfaces over 121 °C (250 °F) that the cord could touch need a heater-type cord from Table 400.4 (422.16(A)(3)).

On the job

• A dishwasher receptacle placed behind the dishwasher is a common correction. It belongs in the adjacent cabinet space.
• A cabinet hole with no grommet or bushing for the cord is a correction.
• A range-hood receptacle that shares a circuit with other outlets is a correction. It needs an individual branch circuit.
• Cords shorter or longer than the limits are a correction, so the appliance's cord length matters when planning the receptacle location.

Exceptions that matter

• Listed appliances marked as protected by double insulation do not need a grounding-type plug.

What changed in 2023

In 2023, the rule requiring heater-type cords where a cord could touch hot appliance surfaces was relocated into this section as 422.16(A)(3), from 422.43(A), and the old limit to appliances rated over 50 watts was dropped.

Related sections

• NEC 400.10(A)
• NEC 422.5: GFCI protection for appliances
• NEC 422.33
• NEC 210.8(D): GFCI for dishwashers, ranges, dryers and other appliances

Where this comes from

• NFPA: 2026 NEC First Draft meeting agenda, CMP-17 (reprints 2023 422.16(B))
• IAEI Magazine: Using NEC Article 422 to keep appliances and families safe (2023)
• Mike Holt: Summary of the 2023 changes to the NEC
• City of St. Paul DSI: Residential dwelling checklist, 2023 NEC
• Read the official NEC free at NFPA