400 – Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables

400.12 – Uses Not Permitted, Flexible Cords, flexible cables, cord sets, power supply cords

Change at a Glance:

Revisions were made to 400.12 to include “flexible cords” in the “Uses Not Permitted” section along with flexible cables, cord sets, and power supply cords.

400.12 Uses Not Permitted. (Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables)

Unless specifically permitted in 400.10, flexible cords, flexible cables, flexible cord sets, and power supply cords shall not be used for the following:
(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
(4) Where attached to building surfaces
Exception to (4): Flexible cord and flexible cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with 368.56(B) and 590.4.
(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
Exception to (5): Flexible cord and flexible cable cords, flexible cables, and power supply cords shall be permitted if contained within an enclosure for use in other spaces used for environmental air as permitted by 300.22(C)(3).
(6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code
(7) Where subject to physical damage
Informational Note: For proper application see UL 817, Cord Sets and Power-Supply Cords, and UL 62, Flexible Cords and Cables.