Disconnects for hardwired appliances

What the code requires

This rule covers permanently connected appliances that do not already have a disconnect under 422.33 or 422.34. For an appliance rated 300 VA or less, or ⅛ hp or less, the branch-circuit overcurrent device may serve as the disconnect. For an appliance over 300 VA, the branch-circuit switch or breaker may serve.

Either way, that switch or breaker must be within sight of the appliance or be lockable in the open (off) position under 110.25. Within sight means visible and not more than 50 ft (15 m) away, as defined in 110.29.

Motor-operated appliances over ⅛ hp must also follow the motor disconnect rules in 430.109 and 430.110, with the same within-sight-or-lockable condition. Disconnect switches and breakers must be the indicating type (422.35).

On the job

• A hardwired water heater, cooktop or oven with no disconnect in sight and no lockable breaker is a common correction.
• The locking provision must stay on the switch or breaker whether or not a lock is in it, so a portable lockout that comes off with the lock does not meet 110.25.

Exceptions that matter

• For a motor-operated appliance with a unit switch that meets 422.34(A), (B) or (C), the other disconnect may be out of sight.

What changed in 2023

The 2023 edition added an opening sentence limiting the section to appliances without a disconnect under 422.33 or 422.34, and the unit-switch exception now cites only 422.34(A), (B) and (C), so it no longer covers other occupancies under 422.34(D).

Related sections

• NEC 110.25
• NEC 110.29
• NEC 422.33
• NEC 422.34
• NEC 422.35
• NEC 430.109

Where this comes from

• NFPA: 2026 NEC First Draft meeting agenda, CMP-17 (reprints 2023 422.31)
• IAEI Magazine: Using NEC Article 422 to keep appliances and families safe (2023)
• Leviton Captain Code 2023: 110.29 in sight
• Electrical Contractor, Locking it up: motor disconnect purpose and location (May 2025)
• Read the official NEC free at NFPA