disposer romex

Specific Inspection Topics Electrical Inspections
1

Ug, Sunday morning and typing report after last nights party.:frowning:

Is romex allowed to be directly connected to a disposer?

Can romex be directly attached to a three prong plug and used as an appliance cord?

I know these conditins are common. Just looking to dot the i

Thanks

2

Not properly…

3

There should be a Romex connector or strain relief bushing where it enters the disposal. It should not be directly on the edges of the entrance opening without being protected from abrasion damage.

4

Romex was not intended for use outside of a finished wall system.

Romex cannot be used as an extension cord.

Armor shielding should be used to protect Romex to the garbage disposal as this is a high traffic area and the wiring is susceptible to damage.

5

Two concerns

If solid wire can be properly attached (per code or manufacturer) to the connectors inside a disposer or receptacle.

I suppose there is a special plug out there designed for romex but I am concerned with the everyday type plug.

I see this all the time on older homes. Romex through a wall and directly connected to the disposer. Obvious its been there and working for years.

6

I don’t see properly secured NM under a sink as subject to damage. It is the common installation method that I am familiar with. I have never seen a cord and plug connected disposal.

Connections between NM and the disposal leads would not be any different that connections to a lighting fixture.

You will not find a cord cap that is listed for use with NM cable.

7

You are likely going to see all kinds of homeowner installed crap as a home inspector. The frequency of times it is seen does not change it and make it right. Just as orange (or any color) extension cord is not appropriate wiring for use as permanent house wiring, Romex or any other NM cable should not be used for applications like garbage disposals, where an appliance (stranded / flexible) cord with an approved plug should be used.

8

I do see ALOT of cord connected disposals. The NEC allows this type of application with length limitations and properly listed cords. NM Cable would not be allowed for this applcation with a plug attached to the end.

9

What…didn’t you write it down the first time John? :mrgreen:

10

Let’s all bookmark this page! :mrgreen::mrgreen:

11

lol…yeah I liked my last line on that link…regarding the paper cuts…:wink:

12

Are you guys talking about this?

Sure seems common to me as this is from the first Inspection pictures I opened on seeing this thread.

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13

Bob, In your pic I would certainly say it could have followed the cabinet surface better and could be neater and not being secured. I would have used a Panduit clamshell to secure it and kept it much neater.