2019 ELECTRICAL CODE TITLE - Flexible Cords400.5 Ampacities for Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables.(A) Ampacity Tables. Table 400.5(A)(1) provides rhe allow-able ampacities, and Table 400.5(,4)(2) provides the ampacitiesfor flexible cords and flexible cables with not more than threecurrent-carrying conductors. These tables shall be used in con-junction with applicable end-use product standards to ensureselection of the proper size and type. Where cords and cablesare used in ambient temperatures other than 30"C (86'F), thetemperature correction factors from Table 310.15(B)(2)(a)that correspond to the temperature rating of the cord or cableshall be applied to the ampacity in Table 400.5(4)(1) andTable 400.5(.4)(2). Cords and cables rated 105'C shall use cor-rection factors in the 90"C column of Table 310.15(BX2)(a) fortemperature correction. Where the number of current-carryingconductors exceeds three, the allowable ampacity or the ampac-ity of each conductor shall be reduced from the three-conductorrating as shown in Thble 400.5(A)(3).400.5Informational Note: See Informative Annex B,Table 8.310.15(BX2)(11), for adjustment factors for morethan three current-ca.rrying conductors in a raceway orcable with load diversity.A neutral conductor that carries only the unbalanced currentfrom other conductors of the same circuit shall not be requiredto meet the requirements of a current-ca.rrying conductor.In a 3-wire circuit consisting of two phase conductors andthe neutral conductor of a 4-wire, 3-phase, wye-connected sys-tem, a common conductor carries approximately the same cur-rent as the line-to-neutral currents of the other conductors andshall be considered to be a current-carrying conductor.On a 4-wire, 3-phase, wye circuit where more than50 percent of the load consists of nonlinear loads, thereare harmonic currents present in the neutral conductor andthe neutral conductor shall be considered to be a current-carrying conductor.ARTICLE 4OO - FLEXIBLE CORDS AND FLEXIBLE CABLESTABLE 400.5(AX1) Allowable Ampacity for Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables lBased on Ambient Temperature of 30"C(86'F). See 400.13 and Table 400.4.1Copper ConductorSize (AWG)Types HPD, IIPN,HSJ, HSJO,rrsJow HsJoo,HSJOOW30352"7a201817l6l51413121110987654J2101315t720uThe 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 conduc-tors are current-carrying.cTinsel cord.dElevator cables only.e7 amperes for elevator cables only; 2 amperes for other types.e10t2l3t618212527303440475562"to8295Column BbThermosetTypes C, E, EO, PD, S, SJ, SJO, SJOW SJOO, SJOOWso, sow soo, soow, sP-I, sp-2, sp-3, sRD, sy svo, svoo,NISP-I, NISP-2Thermoplastic Types ETB ETT, NISPE-I, NISPE-2, NISPT-I,NISPT-2, SE, SEW, SEO, SEOO, SEOW SEOOW SJE, SJEWSJEO, SJEOO, SJEOW, SJEOOW, SJT, SJTW SJTO, SJTOW,SJTOO, SJTOOW, SPE-I., SPE-2, SPE-3, SPT-I, SPT-IW SPT-2, SPT-2W SPT-3, ST, STW SRDE, SRDT, STO, STOW STOO,sToow svE, svEo, svEoo, sYT, svTo, svToo5d79101215t72023252935404552607A80ColumnAaThermoplastic TypesTPT, TST0.52019 Califomia Elecrical Code70-287
TABLE 400.5(AX3) Adjustment Factors for More ThanThree Current-Carrying Conductors in a Flexible Cord orFlexible Cable400.16(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, sus-pended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similaropenings(4) Where attached to building surfacesException to (4): Flexible cord and flexible cable shall be per-mitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with368.s6(8).(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or locatedabove suspended or dropped ceilingsException to (5): Flexible cord and flexible cable shall be per-mitted if contained within an enclosure for use in Other SpacesUsedfor hwironmental Air as permitred by 3ffi.22(CX3).(6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permittedin this Code(7) Where subject to physical damage400.13 Splices. Flexible cord shall be used only in contin-uous lengths without splice or tap where initially installed inapplications permitted by 400. l0(A). The repair of hard-servicecord and junior hard-service cord (see Trade Name column inTable 400.4) 14 AWG and larger shall be permitted if conduc-tors are spliced in accordance with 110.14(8) and the com-pleted splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, andusage characteristics of the cord being spliced.4OO.l4 Pull at Joints and Terminals. Flexible cords and flex-ible cables shall be connected to devices and to fittings so thattension is not transmitted to joints or terminals.Exception: Listedportable single-pole devices that are intendedto accommodate such tension at their terminals shall be permit-ted to be used with single-conductor flexible cable.Informational Note: Some methods of preventing pull ona cord from being transmitted to joints or terminals includeknotting the cord, winding with tape, and using support orstrain-relief fi ttings.400.15 In Show Windows and Showcases. Flexible cordsused 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 SEOOWSJEW SJEOW SJEOOW SJOW SJOOW SJTW SJTOWSJTOOW SOW SOOW STW STOW or STOOW.Exception No. 1: For the wiring of chain-supported luminaires.Exception No. 2: As supply cords for portable lurninaires andother merchandise being displayed or exhibited.400.16 Overcurrent Protection. Flexible cords not smallerthan 18 AWG, and tinsel cords or cords having equivalent char-acteristics of smaller size approved for use with specific appli-ances, shall be considered as protected against overcurrent inaccordance with 240.5.ARTICLE 4OO - FLEXIBLE CORDS AND FLEXIBLE CABLESNumber of ConductorsPercent of Value in Thble 400.5(AXl)and Table 400.5(AX2)4-67-9t0_2021-3031-4041 and above807050454035(B) Optional Markings. Flexible cords and cable types listedin 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.400.10 Uses Permitted.(A) Uses. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall be used onlyfor the following:(1) Pendants.(2) Wiring of luminaires.(3) Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobilesigns, or appliances.(4) Elevator cables.(5) Wiring of cranes and hoists.(6) Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequentinterchange.(7) Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration.(8) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanicalconnections are specifically designed to permit readyremoval for maintenance and repair, and the appliance isintended or identified for flexible cord connection.(9,) Connection of moving parts.(10) Where specifically permitted elsewhere inthis Code.(11) Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, wherethe inlet provides power to an additional single receptacleoutlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the singlereceptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. Theinlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method,including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listedassembly specific for this application.(B) Attachment Plugs. Where used as permitted in 400.10(A)(3), (AX6), and (A)(8), each flexible cord shall be equippedwith an attachment plug and shall be energized from a recepta-cle outlet or cord connector body.Exception: As permitted in 368.56.400.12 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in400.10, flexible cables, flexible cord sets, and power supplycords shall not be used for the following:(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure2019 California Electrical Code70-289