Article 400
Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables
Part I. General
- Scope. This article covers general requirements, appli‐ cations, and construction specifications for flexible cords and flexible cables.
Informational Note: UL 817, Cord Sets and Power-Supply Cords,allows the use of flexible cords manufactured in accordance with UL 62, Flexible Cords and Cables. See 400.10 and 400.12 for flexible cords that are part of a listed cord set or power-supply cord. - Other Articles. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall comply with this article and with the applicable provisions of other articles of this Code.
- Suitability. Flexible cords and flexible cables and their associated fittings shall be suitable for the conditions of use and location.
- Types. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall conform to the description in Table 400.4. The use of flexible cords and flexible cables other than those in Table 400.4 shall require permission by the authority having jurisdiction.
- Ampacities for Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables.
- Ampacity Tables. Table 400.5(A)(1) provides the allowa‐ ble ampacities, and Table 400.5(A)(2) provides the ampacities for flexible cords and flexible cables with not more than three current-carrying conductors. These tables shall be used in conjunction with applicable end-use product standards to ensure selection of the proper size and type. Where cords and cables are used in ambient temperatures other than 30°C (86°F), the temperature correction factors from Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) that correspond to the temperature rating of the cord or cable shall be applied to the ampacity in Table 400.5(A)(1) and Table 400.5(A)(2). Cords and cables rated 105°C shall use correction factors in the 90°C column of Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) for temperature correction. Where the number of current-carrying conductors exceeds three, the allowable ampacity or the ampacity of each conductor shall be reduced from the three-conductor rating as shown in Table 400.5(A)(3).•Informational Note: See Informative Annex B,Table B.310.15(B)(2)(11), for adjustment factors for more than three current-carrying conductors in a raceway or cable with load diversity.A neutral conductor that carries only the unbalanced current from other conductors of the same circuit shall not be required to meet the requirements of a current-carrying conductor.In a 3-wire circuit consisting of two phase conductors and the neutral conductor of a 4-wire, 3-phase, wye-connected system, a common conductor carries approximately the same current as the line-to-neutral currents of the other conductors and shall be considered to be a current-carrying conductor.On a 4-wire, 3-phase, wye circuit where more than 50 percent of the load consists of nonlinear loads, there are harmonic currents present in the neutral conductor and the neutral conductor shall be considered to be a current-carrying conductor.An equipment grounding conductor shall not be considered a current-carrying conductor.Where a single conductor is used for both equipment grounding and to carry unbalanced current from other conductors, as provided for in 250.140 for electric ranges and electric clothes dryers, it shall not be considered as a current- carrying conductor.
- Ultimate Insulation Temperature. In no case shall conductors be associated together in such a way with respect to the kind of circuit, the wiring method used, or the number of conductors such that the limiting temperature of the conduc‐ tors is exceeded.
- Engineering Supervision. Under engineering supervision, conductor ampacities shall be permitted to be calculated in accordance with 310.15(C).
- Markings.
- Standard Markings. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall be marked by means of a printed tag attached to the coil reel or carton. The tag shall contain the information required in 310.120(A). Types S, SC, SCE, SCT, SE, SEO, SEOO, SJ, SJE, SJEO, SJEOO, SJO, SJT, SJTO, SJTOO, SO, SOO, ST, STO, STOO, SEW, SEOW, SEOOW, SJEW, SJEOW, SJEOOW, SJOW, SJTW, SJTOW, SJTOOW, SOW, SOOW, STW, STOW, and STOOW flexible cords and G, G-GC, PPE, and W flexible cables shall be durably marked on the surface at intervals not exceeding 610 mm (24 in.) with the type designation, size, and number of conductors. Required markings on tags, cords, and cables shall also include the maximum operating temperature of the flexible cord or flexible cable.
- Optional Markings. Flexible cords and cable types listed in Table 400.4 shall be permitted to be surface marked to indi‐ cate special characteristics of the cable materials. These mark‐ ings include, but are not limited to, markings for limited smoke, sunlight resistance, and so forth.
Table 400.4 Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables
Trade Name | Type Letter | Voltage | AWGor kcmil | Number ofConductors | Insulation | AWGor kcmil | Nominal Insulation Thickness | Braid on Each Conduc- tor | Outer Covering | Use | |||
mm | mils | ||||||||||||
| Lamp cord | C | 300600 | 18–1615–10 | 2 or more | Thermoset or thermoplastic | 18–1615–10 | 0.761.14 | 3045 | Cotton | None | Pendant or portable | Dry loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| Elevator cable | E 1,2,3,4 | 300 or600 | 20–2 | 2 or more | Thermoset | 20–1615–1212–108–2 | 0.510.761.141.52 | 20304560 | Cotton | Three cotton; outer one flame- retardant and moisture- resistant | Elevatorlighting and control | Unclassified locations | |
| 20–1615–1212–108–2 | 0.510.761.141.52 | 20304560 | Flexible nylon jacket | ||||||||||
| Elevator cable | EO 1,2,4 | 300 or600 | 20–2 | 2 or more | Thermoset | 20–1615–1212–108–2 | 0.510.761.141.52 | 20304560 | Cotton | Three cotton; outer one flame- retardant and moisture- resistant | Elevatorlighting and control | Unclassified locations | |
| One cotton and a neoprene jacket | Hazardous (classified) locations | ||||||||||||
| Elevator cable | ETP 2,4 | 300 or600 | Rayon | Thermo- plastic | Hazardous (classified) locations | ||||||||
| ETT 2,4 | 300 or600 | None | One cotton or equivalent and a thermo- plastic jacket | ||||||||||
| Electric vehicle cable | EV 5,6 | 600 | 18–500 | 2 or more plus grounding conductor(s), plus optional hybrid data, signal communica- tions, and optical fiber cables | Thermoset with optional nylon | 18–15 | 0.76(0.51) | 30(20) | Optional | Oil-resistant thermoset | Electricvehicle charging | Wet locations | Extra-hard usage |
| 14–10 | 1.14(0.76) | 45(30) | |||||||||||
| 8–2 | 1.52(1.14) | 60(45) | |||||||||||
| 1–4/0 | 2.03(1.52) | 80(60) | |||||||||||
| 250–500 | 2.41(1.90) | 95(75) | |||||||||||
| EVJ 5,6 | 300 | 18–12 | 18–12 | 0.76(0.51) | 30(20) | Hardusage | |||||||
| EVE 5,6 | 600 | 18–500 | 2 or more plus grounding conductor(s), plus optional hybrid data, signal communica- tions, and optical fiber cables | Thermoplastic elastomer with optional nylon | 18–15 | 0.76(0.51) | 30(20) | Oil-resistant thermo- plastic elastomer | Extra-hard usage | ||||
| 14–10 | 1.14(0.76) | 45(30) | |||||||||||
| 8–2 | 1.52(1.14) | 60(45) | |||||||||||
| 1–4/0 | 2.03(1.52) | 80(60) | |||||||||||
| 250– 500 | 2.41(1.90) | 95(75) | |||||||||||
| EVJE 5,6 | 300 | 18–12 | 18–12 | 0.76(0.51) | 30(20) | Hardusage |
(continues)
Trade Name | Type Letter | Voltage | AWGor kcmil | Number ofConductors | Insulation | AWGor kcmil | Nominal Insulation Thickness | Braid on Each Conduc- tor | Outer Covering | Use | |||
mm | mils | ||||||||||||
| EVT 5,6 | 600 | 18–500 | 2 or more plus grounding conductor(s), plus optional hybrid data, signal communica- tions, and optical fiber cables | Thermoplastic with optional nylon | 18–15 | 0.76(0.51) | 30(20) | Optional | Oil-resistant thermo- plastic | Electricvehicle charging | WetLocations | Extra-hard usage | |
| 14–10 | 1.14(0.76) | 45(30) | |||||||||||
| 8–2 | 1.52(1.14) | 60(45) | |||||||||||
| 1–4/0 | 2.03(1.52) | 80(60) | |||||||||||
| 250– 500 | 2.41(1.90) | 95(75) | |||||||||||
| EVJT 5,6 | 300 | 18–12 | 18–12 | 0.76(0.51) | 30(20) | Hardusage | |||||||
| Portable power cable | G | 2000 | 12–500 | 2–6 plusgrounding conductor(s) | Thermoset | 12–21–4/0250–500 | 1.522.032.41 | 608095 | Oil-resistant thermoset | Portable and extra-hard usage | |||
| G-GC7 | 2000 | 12–500 | 3–6 plusgrounding conductors and 1 ground check conductor | Thermoset | 12–21–4/0250–500 | 1.522.032.41 | 608095 | Oil-resistant thermoset | |||||
| Heater cord | HPD | 300 | 18–12 | 2, 3, or 4 | Thermoset | 18–1615–12 | 0.380.76 | 1530 | None | Cotton or rayon | Portableheaters | Dry loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| Parallelheater cord | HPN8 | 300 | 18–12 | 2 or 3 | Oil-resistant thermoset | 18–16151412 | 1.141.522.41 | 456095 | None | Oil-resistant thermoset | Portable | Damplocations | Not hard usage |
| Thermoset jacketed heater cords | HSJ | 300 | 18–12 | 2, 3, or 4 | Thermoset | 18–1615–12 | 0.761.14 | 3045 | None | Cotton and thermoset | Portable or portable heater | Damp loca- tions | Hardusage |
| HSJO | 300 | 18–12 | Oil-resistant thermoset | Cotton and oil- resistant thermoset | Damp and wet locations | ||||||||
| HSJOW9 | 300 | 18–12 | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| HSJOO | 300 | 18–12 | |||||||||||
| HSJOOW 9 | 300 | 18–12 | Damp and wet locations | ||||||||||
| Non-integral parallel cords | NISP-1 | 300 | 20–18 | 2 or 3 | Thermoset | 20–18 | 0.38 | 15 | None | Thermoset | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| NISP-2 | 300 | 18–16 | 18–16 | 0.76 | 30 | ||||||||
| NISPE-18 | 300 | 20–18 | Thermoplastic elastomer | 20–18 | 0.38 | 15 | Thermo- plastic elastomer | ||||||
| NISPE-28 | 300 | 18–16 | 18–16 | 0.76 | 30 | ||||||||
| NISPT-18 | 300 | 20–18 | Thermoplastic | 20–18 | 0.38 | 15 | Thermo- plastic | ||||||
| NISPT-28 | 300 | 18–16 | 18–16 | 0.76 | 30 | ||||||||
| Twistedportable cord | PD | 300600 | 18–1614–10 | 2 or more | Thermoset or thermoplastic | 18–1615–10 | 0.761.14 | 3045 | Cotton | Cotton or rayon | Pendant or portable | Dry loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| Portable power cable | PPE7 | 2000 | 12–500 | 1–6 plusoptional grounding conductor(s) | Thermoplastic elastomer | 12–21–4/0250–500 | 1.522.032.41 | 608095 | Oil-resistant thermo- plastic elastomer | Portable, extra-hard usage | |||
| Hardservice cord | S7 | 600 | 18–2 | 2 or more | Thermoset | 18–1514–108–2 | 0.761.141.52 | 304560 | None | Thermoset | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Extra-hard usage |
(continues)
Trade Name | Type Letter | Voltage | AWGor kcmil | Number ofConductors | Insulation | AWGor kcmil | Nominal Insulation Thickness | Braid on Each Conduc- tor | Outer Covering | Use | |||
mm | mils | ||||||||||||
| Flexiblestage and lighting power cable | SC7,10 | 600 | 8–250 | 1 or more | Thermoset | 8–21–4/0250 | 1.522.032.41 | 608095 | Thermoset | Portable, extra-hard usage | |||
| SCE7,10 | 600 | Thermoplastic elastomer | Thermo- plastic elastomer | ||||||||||
| SCT7,10 | 600 | Thermoplastic | Thermo- plastic | ||||||||||
| Hard service cord | SE7 | 600 | 18–2 | 2 or more | Thermoplastic elastomer | 18–1514–98–2 | 0.761.141.52 | 304560 | None | Thermo- plastic elastomer | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Extra-hard usage |
| SEW7, 9 | 600 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| SEO7 | 600 | Oil-resistant thermo- plastic elastomer | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| SEOW7,9 | 600 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| SEOO7 | 600 | Oil-resistant thermoplastic elastomer | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| SEOOW7,9 | 600 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| Junior hard service cord | SJ | 300 | 18–10 | 2–6 | Thermoset | 18–1110 | 0.761.14 | 3045 | None | Thermoset | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Hardusage |
| SJE | 300 | Thermoplastic elastomer | Thermo- plastic elastomer | ||||||||||
| SJEW9 | 300 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| SJEO | 300 | Oil-resistant thermo- plastic elastomer | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| SJEOW9 | 300 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| SJEOO | 300 | Oil-resistant thermoplastic elastomer | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| SJEOOW9 | 300 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| SJO | 300 | Thermoset | Oil-resistant thermoset | Damplocations | |||||||||
| SJOW9 | 300 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| SJOO | 300 | Oil-resistant thermoset | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| SJOOW9 | 300 | Damp and wet locations |
(continues)
Trade Name | Type Letter | Voltage | AWGor kcmil | Number ofConductors | Insulation | AWGor kcmil | Nominal Insulation Thickness | Braid on Each Conduc- tor | Outer Covering | Use | |||
mm | mils | ||||||||||||
| SJT | 300 | Thermoplastic | 18–1210 | 0.761.14 | 3045 | Thermo- plastic | Damplocations | ||||||
| SJTW9 | 300 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| SJTO | 300 | Oil-resistant thermo- lastic | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| SJTOW9 | 300 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| SJTOO | 300 | Oil-resistant thermoplastic | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| SJTOOW9 | 300 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| Hard service cord | SO7 | 600 | 18–2 | 2 or more | Thermoset | 18–15 | 0.76 | 30 | None | Oil-resistant thermoset | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Extra-hard usage |
| SOW7,9 | 600 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| SOO7 | 600 | Oil-resistant thermoset | 14–98–2 | 1.141.52 | 4560 | Damplocations | |||||||
| SOOW7,9 | 600 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| All thermoset parallel cord | SP-1 | 300 | 20–18 | 2 or 3 | Thermoset | 20–18 | 0.76 | 30 | None | None | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| SP-2 | 300 | 18–16 | 18-16 | 1.14 | 45 | ||||||||
| SP-3 | 300 | 18–10 | 18–1615, 141210 | 1.522.032.412.80 | 608095110 | Refrigera- tors, room air condi- tioners, and as permitted in 422.16(B) | |||||||
| All elastomer (thermo- plastic) parallel cord | SPE-18 | 300 | 20-18 | 2 or 3 | Thermoplastic elastomer | 20–18 | 0.76 | 30 | None | None | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| SPE-28 | 300 | 18–16 | 18–16 | 1.14 | 45 | ||||||||
| SPE-38 | 300 | 18–10 | 18–1615141210 | 1.522.032.412.80 | 608095110 | Refrigera- tors, room air condi- tioners, and as permitted in 422.16(B) | |||||||
| All thermoplastic parallel cord | SPT-1 | 300 | 20–18 | 2 or 3 | Thermoplastic | 20–18 | 0.76 | 30 | None | None | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| SPT-1W9 | 300 | 2 | Damp and wet locations |
(continues)
Trade Name | Type Letter | Voltage | AWGor kcmil | Number ofConductors | Insulation | AWGor kcmil | Nominal Insulation Thickness | Braid on Each Conduc- tor | Outer Covering | Use | |||
mm | mils | ||||||||||||
| SPT-2 | 300 | 18–16 | 2 or 3 | 18–16 | 1.14 | 45 | Damplocations | ||||||
| SPT-2W9 | 300 | 2 | Damp and wet locations | ||||||||||
| SPT-3 | 300 | 18–10 | 2 or 3 | 18–1615141210 | 1.522.032.412.80 | 608095110 | Refrig-erators, roomair condi- tioners, and as permitted in 422.16(B) | Damp loca- tions | Not hard usage | ||||
| Range, dryer cable | SRD | 300 | 10–4 | 3 or 4 | Thermoset | 10–4 | 1.14 | 45 | None | Thermoset | Portable | Damp loca- tions | Ranges,dryers |
| SRDE | 300 | 10–4 | 3 or 4 | Thermoplastic elastomer | None | Thermo- plastic elastomer | |||||||
| SRDT | 300 | 10–4 | 3 or 4 | Thermoplastic | None | Thermo- plastic | |||||||
| Hard service cord | ST7 | 600 | 18–2 | 2 or more | Thermoplastic | 18–1514–98–2 | 0.761.141.52 | 304560 | None | Thermo- plastic | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Extra-hard usage |
| STW7,9 | 600 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| STO7 | 600 | Oil-resistant thermo- lastic | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| STOW7, 9 | 600 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| STOO7 | 600 | Oil-resistant thermoplastic | Damplocations | ||||||||||
| STOOW7 | 600 | Damp and wet locations | |||||||||||
| Vacuum cleaner cord | SV | 300 | 18–16 | 2 or 3 | Thermoset | 18–16 | 0.38 | 15 | None | Thermoset | Pendant or portable | Damp loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| SVE | 300 | Thermoplastic elastomer | Thermo- plastic elastomer | ||||||||||
| SVEO | 300 | Oil-resistant thermo- plastic elastomer | |||||||||||
| SVEOO | 300 | Oil-resistant thermoplastic elastomer | |||||||||||
| SVO | 300 | Thermoset | Oil-resistant thermoset | ||||||||||
| SVOO | 300 | Oil-resistant thermoset | Oil-resistant thermoset | ||||||||||
| SVT | 300 | Thermoplastic | Thermoplastic | ||||||||||
| SVTO | 300 | Thermoplastic | Oil-resistant thermo- plastic | ||||||||||
| SVTOO | 300 | Oil-resistant thermoplastic |
(continues)
Trade Name | Type Letter | Voltage | AWGor kcmil | Number ofConductors | Insulation | AWGor kcmil | Nominal Insulation Thickness | Braid on Each Conduc- tor | Outer Covering | Use | |||
mm | mils | ||||||||||||
| Parallel tinsel cord | TPT11 | 300 | 27 | 2 | Thermoplastic | 27 | 0.76 | 30 | None | Thermo- plastic | Attached to an appliance | Damp loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| Jacketed tinsel cord | TST11 | 300 | 27 | 2 | Thermoplastic | 27 | 0.38 | 15 | None | Thermo- plastic | Attached to an appliance | Damp loca- tions | Not hard usage |
| Portable power cable | W7 | 2000 | 12–500501–1000 | 1–61 | Thermoset | 12–21–4/0250–500501–1000 | 1.522.032.412.80 | 608095110 | Oil-resistant thermoset | Portable, extra-hard usage |
Notes:
All types listed in Table 400.4 shall have individual conductors twisted together, except for Types HPN, SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, SPE-1, SPE-2, SPE-3, SPT-1, SPT-2, SPT-3, SPT-1W, SPT-2W, TPT, NISP-1, NISP-2, NISPT-1, NISPT-2, NISPE-1, NISPE-2, and three-conductor parallel versions of SRD, SRDE, and SRDT.
The individual conductors of all cords, except those of heat-resistant cords, shall have a thermoset or thermoplastic insulation, except that the equipment grounding conductor, where used, shall be in accordance with 400.23(B).
1Rubber-filled or varnished cambric tapes shall be permitted as a substitute for the inner braids.
2Elevator traveling cables for operating control and signal circuits shall contain nonmetallic fillers as necessary to maintain concentricity. Cables shall have steel supporting members as required for suspension by 620.41. In locations subject to excessive moisture or corrosive vapors or gases, supporting members of other materials shall be permitted. Where steel supporting members are used, they shall run straight through the center of the cable assembly and shall not be cabled with the copper strands of any conductor.
In addition to conductors used for control and signaling circuits, Types E, EO, ETP, and ETT elevator cables shall be permitted to incorporate in the construction one or more 20 AWG telephone conductor pairs, one or more coaxial cables, or one or more optical fibers. The 20 AWG conductor pairs shall be permitted to be covered with suitable shielding for telephone, audio, or higher frequency communications circuits; the coaxial cables shall consist of a center conductor, insulation, and a shield for use in video or other radio frequency communications circuits. The optical fiber shall be suitably covered with flame-retardant thermoplastic. The insulation of the conductors shall be rubber or thermoplastic of a thickness not less than specified for the other conductors of the particular type of cable. Metallic shields shall have their own protective covering. Where used, these components shall be permitted to be incorporated in any layer of the cable assembly but shall not run straight through the center.
3Insulations and outer coverings that meet the requirements as flame retardant, limited smoke, and are so listed, shall be permitted to be marked for limited smoke after the Code type designation.
4Elevator cables in sizes 20 AWG through 14 AWG are rated 300 volts, and sizes 10 AWG through 2 AWG are rated 600 volts. 12 AWG is rated 300 volts with a 0.76 mm (30 mil) insulation thickness and 600 volts with a 1.14 mm (45 mil) insulation thickness.
5Conductor size for Types EV, EVJ, EVE, EVJE, EVT, and EVJT cables apply to nonpower-limited circuits only. Conductors of power-limited (data, signal, or communications) circuits may extend beyond the stated AWG size range. All conductors shall be insulated for the same cable voltage rating. 6Insulation thickness for Types EV, EVJ, EVEJE, EVT, and EVJT cables of nylon construction is indicated in parentheses.
7Types G, G-GC, S, SC, SCE, SCT, SE, SEO, SEOO, SEW, SEOW, SEOOW, SO, SOO, SOW, SOOW, ST, STO, STOO, STW, STOW, STOOW, PPE, and
W shall be permitted for use on theater stages, in garages, and elsewhere where flexible cords are permitted by this Code.
8The third conductor in Type HPN shall be used as an equipment grounding conductor only. The insulation of the equipment grounding conductor for Types SPE-1, SPE-2, SPE-3, SPT-1, SPT-2, SPT-3, NISPT-1, NISPT-2, NISPE-1, and NISPE-2 shall be permitted to be thermoset polymer.
9Cords that comply with the requirements for outdoor cords and are so listed shall be permitted to be designated as weather and water resistant with the suffix “W” after the Code type designation. Cords with the “W” suffix are suitable for use in wet locations and are sunlight resistant.
10The required outer covering on some single-conductor cables may be integral with the insulation.
11Types TPT and TST shall be permitted in lengths not exceeding 2.5 m (8 ft) where attached directly, or by means of a special type of plug, to a portable appliance rated at 50 watts or less and of such nature that extreme flexibility of the cord is essential.
Table 400.5(A)(1) Allowable Ampacity for Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables [Based on Ambient Temperature of 30°C (86°F). See
400.13 and Table 400.4.]
Copper Conductor Size (AWG) | Thermoplastic Types TPT, TST | Thermoset Types C, E, EO, PD, S, SJ, SJO, SJOW, SJOO, SJOOW, SO, SOW, SOO, SOOW, SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, SRD, SV, SVO, SVOO, NISP-1, NISP-2 | Types HPD, HPN, HSJ, HSJO, HSJOW, HSJOO, HSJOOW |
| Thermoplastic Types ETP, ETT, NISPE-1, NISPE-2, NISPT-1, NISPT-2, SE, SEW, SEO, SEOO, SEOW, SEOOW, SJE, SJEW, SJEO, SJEOO, SJEOW, SJEOOW, SJT, SJTW, SJTO, SJTOW, SJTOO, SJTOOW, SPE-1, SPE-2, SPE-3, SPT-1, SPT-1W, SPT-2, SPT-2W, SPT-3, ST, STW, SRDE, SRDT, STO, STOW, STOO, STOOW, SVE, SVEO, SVEOO, SVT, SVTO, SVTOO | |||
27c 2018171615141312111098765432 | 0.5—————————————————— | Column Aa Column Bb— —5d e7 109 1210 1312 1615 1817 2120 2523 2725 3029 3435 4040 4745 5552 6260 7070 8280 95 | —— 1013151720— 30— 35———————— |
aThe allowable currents under Column A apply to three-conductor cords and other multiconductor cords connected to utilization equipment so that only three-conductors are current-carrying.
bThe allowable currents under Column B apply to two-conductor cords and other multiconductor cords connected to utilization equipment so that only two conductors are current-carrying.
cTinsel cord.
dElevator cables only.
e7 amperes for elevator cables only; 2 amperes for other types.
Table 400.5(A)(2) Ampacity of Cable Types SC, SCE, SCT, PPE, G, G-GC, and W [Based on Ambient Temperature of 30°C (86°F). See Table 400.4.]
Copper Conductor
Temperature Rating of Cable
60°C (140°F) 75°C (167°F) 90°C (194°F)
| Size(AWG or kcmil) | D1 | E2 | F3 | D1 | E2 | F3 | D1 | E2 | F3 | ||
| 12 | — | 31 | 26 | — | 37 | 31 | — | 42 | 35 | ||
| 10 | — | 44 | 37 | — | 52 | 43 | — | 59 | 49 | ||
| 8 | 60 | 55 | 48 | 70 | 65 | 57 | 80 | 74 | 65 | ||
| 6 | 80 | 72 | 63 | 95 | 88 | 77 | 105 | 99 | 87 | ||
| 4 | 105 | 96 | 84 | 125 | 115 | 101 | 140 | 130 | 114 | ||
| 3 | 120 | 113 | 99 | 145 | 135 | 118 | 165 | 152 | 133 | ||
| 2 | 140 | 128 | 112 | 170 | 152 | 133 | 190 | 174 | 152 | ||
| 1 | 165 | 150 | 131 | 195 | 178 | 156 | 220 | 202 | 177 | ||
| 1/0 | 195 | 173 | 151 | 230 | 207 | 181 | 260 | 234 | 205 | ||
| 2/0 | 225 | 199 | 174 | 265 | 238 | 208 | 300 | 271 | 237 | ||
| 3/0 | 260 | 230 | 201 | 310 | 275 | 241 | 350 | 313 | 274 | ||
| 4/0 | 300 | 265 | 232 | 360 | 317 | 277 | 405 | 361 | 316 | ||
| 250 | 340 | 296 | 259 | 405 | 354 | 310 | 455 | 402 | 352 | ||
| 300 | 375 | 330 | 289 | 445 | 395 | 346 | 505 | 449 | 393 | ||
| 350 | 420 | 363 | 318 | 505 | 435 | 381 | 570 | 495 | 433 | ||
| 400 | 455 | 392 | 343 | 545 | 469 | 410 | 615 | 535 | 468 | ||
| 500 | 515 | 448 | 392 | 620 | 537 | 470 | 700 | 613 | 536 | ||
| 600 | 575 | — | — | 690 | — | — | 780 | — | — | ||
| 700 | 630 | — | — | 755 | — | — | 855 | — | — | ||
| 750 | 655 | — | — | 785 | — | — | 885 | — | — | ||
| 800 | 680 | — | — | 815 | — | — | 920 | — | — | ||
| 900 | 730 | — | — | 870 | — | — | 985 | — | — | ||
| 1000 | 780 | — | — | 935 | — | — | 1055 | — | — |
1The ampacities under subheading D shall be permitted for single-conductor Types SC, SCE, SCT, PPE, and W cable only where the individual conductors are not installed in raceways and are not in physical contact with each other except in lengths not to exceed 600 mm (24 in.) where passing through the wall of an enclosure.
2The ampacities under subheading E apply to two-conductor cables and other multiconductor cables connected to utilization equipment so that only two conductors are current-carrying.
3The ampacities under subheading F apply to three-conductor cables and other multiconductor cables connected to utilization equipment so that only three conductors are current-carrying.
Table 400.5(A)(3) Adjustment Factors for More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in a Flexible Cord or Flexible Cable
Number of Conductors
Percent of Value in Table 400.5(A)(1) and Table 400.5(A)(2)
4–6 80
7–9 70
10–20 50
21–30 45
31–40 40
41 and above 35
400.10 Uses Permitted.
- Uses. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall be used only for the following:
- Pendants.
- Wiring of luminaires.
- Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobile signs, or appliances.
- Elevator cables.
- Wiring of cranes and hoists.
- Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequent interchange.
- Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration.
- Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair, and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection.
- Connection of moving parts.
- Where specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code.
- Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chap‐ ter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this applica‐ tion.
- Attachment Plugs. Where used as permitted in 400.10(A)(3), (A)(6), and (A)(8), each flexible cord shall be equipped with an attachment plug and shall be energized from a receptacle outlet or cord connector body.
Exception: As permitted in 368.56.
- Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.10, flexible cables, flexible cord sets, and power supply cords shall not be used for the following:
- As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
- Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
- Where run through doorways, windows, or similar open‐ ings
- Where attached to building surfacesException to (4): Flexible cord and flexible cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with 368.56(B) .
- Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
Exception to (5): Flexible cord and flexible cable shall be permitted ifcontained within an enclosure for use in Other Spaces Used for Envi‐ ronmental Air as permitted by 300.22(C)(3). - Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permit‐ ted in this Code
- Where subject to physical damage
- Splices. Flexible cord shall be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap where initially installed in applica‐ tions permitted by 400.10(A). The repair of hard-service cord and junior hard-service cord (see Trade Name column in Table 400.4) 14 AWG and larger shall be permitted if conduc‐ tors are spliced in accordance with 110.14(B) and the comple‐ ted splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics of the cord being spliced.
- Pull at Joints and Terminals. Flexible cords and flexi‐ ble cables shall be connected to devices and to fittings so that tension is not transmitted to joints or terminals.Exception: Listed portable single-pole devices that are intended to accommodate such tension at their terminals shall be permitted to be used with single-conductor flexible cable.Informational Note: Some methods of preventing pull on a cord from being transmitted to joints or terminals include knotting the cord, winding with tape, and using support or strain-relief fittings.
- In Show Windows and Showcases. Flexible cords used in show windows and showcases shall be Types S, SE, SEO, SEOO, SJ, SJE, SJEO, SJEOO, SJO, SJOO, SJT, SJTO, SJTOO, SO, SOO, ST, STO, STOO, SEW, SEOW, SEOOW, SJEW, SJEOW, SJEOOW, SJOW, SJOOW, SJTW, SJTOW, SJTOOW, SOW, SOOW, STW, STOW, or STOOW.Exception No. 1: For the wiring of chain-supported luminaires.Exception No. 2: As supply cords for portable luminaires and other merchandise being displayed or exhibited.
- Overcurrent Protection. Flexible cords not smaller than 18 AWG, and tinsel cords or cords having equivalent char‐ acteristics of smaller size approved for use with specific applian‐ ces, shall be considered as protected against overcurrent in accordance with 240.5.
- Protection from Damage. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall be protected by bushings or fittings where passing through holes in covers, outlet boxes, or similar enclosures.
In industrial establishments where the conditions of mainte‐ nance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons serv‐ ice the installation, flexible cords and flexible cables shall be permitted to be installed in aboveground raceways that are no longer than 15 m (50 ft) to protect the flexible cord or flexible cable from physical damage. Where more than three current- carrying conductors are installed within the raceway, the allow‐ able ampacity shall be reduced in accordance with Table 400.5(A)(3).
Part II. Construction Specifications
- Labels. Flexible cords shall be examined and tested at the factory and labeled before shipment.
- Construction.
- Conductors. The individual conductors of a flexible cord or flexible cable shall have copper flexible stranding and shall not be smaller than the sizes specified in Table 400.4.
- Nominal Insulation Thickness. The nominal thickness of insulation for conductors of flexible cords and flexible cables shall not be less than specified in Table 400.4.
- Grounded-Conductor Identification. One conductor of flexible cords that is intended to be used as a grounded circuit conductor shall have a continuous marker that readily distinguishes it from the other conductor or conductors. The identification shall consist of one of the methods indicated in 400.22(A) through (F).
- Colored Braid. A braid finished to show a white or gray color and the braid on the other conductor or conductors finished to show a readily distinguishable solid color or colors.
- Tracer in Braid. A tracer in a braid of any color contrast‐ ing with that of the braid and no tracer in the braid of the other conductor or conductors. No tracer shall be used in the braid of any conductor of a flexible cord that contains a conductor having a braid finished to show white or gray.Exception: In the case of Types C and PD and cords having the braids on the individual conductors finished to show white or gray. In such cords, the identifying marker shall be permitted to consist of the solid white or gray finish on one conductor, provided there is a colored tracer in the braid of each other conductor.
- Colored Insulation. A white or gray insulation on one conductor and insulation of a readily distinguishable color or colors on the other conductor or conductors for cords having no braids on the individual conductors.For jacketed cords furnished with appliances, one conductor having its insulation colored light blue, with the other conduc‐ tors having their insulation of a readily distinguishable color other than white or gray.Exception: Cords that have insulation on the individual conductors integral with the jacket.The insulation shall be permitted to be covered with an outer finish to provide the desired color.
- Colored Separator. A white or gray separator on one conductor and a separator of a readily distinguishable solid color on the other conductor or conductors of cords having insulation on the individual conductors integral with the jacket.
- Tinned Conductors. One conductor having the individual strands tinned and the other conductor or conductors having the individual strands untinned for cords having insulation on the individual conductors integral with the jacket.
- Surface Marking. One or more ridges, grooves, or white stripes located on the exterior of the cord so as to identify one conductor for cords having insulation on the individual conductors integral with the jacket.
- Equipment Grounding Conductor Identification. A conductor intended to be used as an equipment grounding conductor shall have a continuous identifying marker readily distinguishing it from the other conductor or conductors. Conductors having a continuous green color or a continuous green color with one or more yellow stripes shall not be used for other than equipment grounding conductors. Cords or cables consisting of integral insulation and a jacket without a nonintegral grounding conductor shall be permitted to be green. The identifying marker shall consist of one of the meth‐ ods in 400.23(A) or (B).
- Colored Braid. A braid finished to show a continuous green color or a continuous green color with one or more yellow stripes.
- Colored Insulation or Covering. For cords having no braids on the individual conductors, an insulation of a continu‐ ous green color or a continuous green color with one or more yellow stripes.
- Attachment Plugs. Where a flexible cord is provided with an equipment grounding conductor and equipped with an attachment plug, the attachment plug shall comply with 250.138(A) and (B).
Part III. Portable Cables Over 600 Volts, Nominal
- Scope. Part III applies to single and multiconductor portable cables used to connect mobile equipment and machi‐ nery.
- Construction.
- Conductors. The conductors shall be 12 AWG copper or larger and shall employ flexible stranding.
- Equipment Grounding Conductor(s). An equipment grounding conductor(s) shall be provided in cables with three or more conductors. The total area shall not be less than that of the size of the equipment grounding conductor required in 250.122.
- Shielding. All shields shall be connected to an equip‐ ment grounding conductor.
- Equipment Grounding Conductors. Equipment grounding conductors shall be connected in accordance with Parts VI and VII of Article 250.
- Minimum Bending Radii. The minimum bending radii for portable cables during installation and handling in service shall be adequate to prevent damage to the cable.
- Fittings. Connectors used to connect lengths of cable in a run shall be of a type that locks firmly together. Provisions shall be made to prevent opening or closing these connectors while energized. Suitable means shall be used to eliminate tension at connectors and terminations.
- Splices and Terminations. Portable cables shall not contain splices unless the splices are of the permanent molded, vulcanized types in accordance with 110.14(B). Terminations on portable cables rated over 600 volts, nominal, shall be acces‐ sible only to authorized and qualified personnel.