Wiring for a built in microwave...Question.

[David Nasser]

Normally its plugged into a outlet in close proximity.

In this case, its a heavy gauge extension cord running about
3 foot to a GFCI.

It this within the NEC guidlines?

[mnahrgang]

Nope...Any permanent appliance (microwave, garage door opener, water heater, whatever) + extension cord = violation and write up.

Practically speaking I've got something very similar in my house with a counter top unit. I'm comfortable with it myself because the cord is fully protected (and heavy duty). But I would write it up for a paid inspection.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

The tag affixed to the extension cord (stuck in the hole of the cabinet) explains it all. "Listed for temporary use."

[David Nasser]

Originally Posted by jpope

The tag affixed to the extension cord (stuck in the hole of the cabinet) explains it all. "Listed for temporary use."

Thanks...

[David Nasser]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

Nope...Any permanent appliance (microwave, garage door opener, water heater, whatever) + extension cord = violation and write up.

Practically speaking I've got something very similar in my house with a counter top unit. I'm comfortable with it myself because the cord is fully protected (and heavy duty). But I would write it up for a paid inspection.

Thanks for the feedback....

[Robert Meier]

Here's the 2008 NEC section:

ARTICLE 400 Flexible Cords and Cables

400.8 Uses Not Permitted.
Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables 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 cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.56(B)
(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
(6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code
(7) Where subject to physical damage

[Mark Thorman]

Typically these units require their own dedicated circuit anyway.

www.MauiHomeInspections.com

[Bob Elliott]

How about if the 110 cord went through the same opening ,with no extension cord.
Is it ok to pass the power cord through the cabinet?

I ask because I had one where the under cabinet halogen lights transformer was in the cabinet but the cord ran to the outlet behind the fridge.

Sure the halogen lights are low voltage ,but the power cord to the transformer is 110.
This was for those under cabinet puck lights we all see.

[Robert Meier]

Originally Posted by belliott

How about if the 110 cord went through the same opening ,with no extension cord.
Is it ok to pass the power cord through the cabinet?

I ask because I had one where the under cabinet halogen lights transformer was in the cabinet but the cord ran to the outlet behind the fridge.

Sure the halogen lights are low voltage ,but the power cord to the transformer is 110.
This was for those under cabinet puck lights we all see.

I see no problem with a 120 volt cord passing through a cabinet. Many dishwashers are wired with a cord through a hole in the cabinet to a receptacle in a cabinet adjacent to the DW.

[Doug Edwards]

That is an "appliance cord", permanently fixed / connected at the appliance. An extension cord is just that (temporary, not to be used for permanent wiring). May not make sense but there it is. I find garage door openers on extension cords all the time because the outlet may be too far away for the appliance cord on the opener to reach. Still not right.

[Robert Meier]

Originally Posted by dedwards

That is an "appliance cord", permanently fixed / connected at the appliance. An extension cord is just that (temporary, not to be used for permanent wiring). May not make sense but there it is. I find garage door openers on extension cords all the time because the outlet may be too far away for the appliance cord on the opener to reach. Still not right.

I agree, the appliance cord is OK, an extension cord is a substitute for fixed wiring and an NEC violation. 400.8(1)