Wall heater connected with flexible cord

[petersonra]

Isn't a flexible cord always substituting fixed wiring to a certain degree?

I have no idea why the code makers hate cord so much that they make it all but impossible to use. It is a perfectly safe and reasonable way to feed electrical devices.

I think the fixed wiring idea more or less is that if you could run it in conduit or EMT and have it be adequately functional, you can't run it in cord.

 

[JoeNorm]

I’m still unclear as to whether NM works here?

 

[mtnelect]

Sections 400-7(a)(8) and 422-8(c) state the uses
where flexible cords are permitted. A key code requirement,
often violated, is that flexible cords shall
be used only “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.” Certainly the plumbing does
not allow for the “ready removal” of the water
heater. The conductors in flexible cords cannot handle
the high temperatures encountered on the water
heater terminals. Check the instruction manual for
proper installation methods.

 

[AC\DC]

I’m

I’m still unclear as to whether NM works here?

as long as it’s not supject to physical damage your good.

 

[mtnelect]

Additional information.

 

[curt swartz]

Assuming the supply is going to surface mounted I would set a box next to the heater then run MC or 3/8" flex with a 90 connector into the back of the heater. If necessary you could put spacers behind the mounting brackets to provide the required space to fit the connector.

If this is going on a hollow wall I would stub MC or NM out the wall directly into the heater.

 

[JoeNorm]

So, it looks like there is nothing prohibiting NM in this situation. My only concern now is how close that whip ends up to the hot metal surface of the back of the heater. But that would be a concern with any wiring method. MC or flex would at least dissipate and spread some heat.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I have some wall mount heaters that have very little clearance behind them (about half inch). I cannot fit metal flex back there. Is a flexible cord permitted in this case?

Can you install the whip then tuck the excess whip in the wall cavity while in the process of mounting the unit on the bracket?
Maybe I'm missing something.

 

[LarryFine]

Can you install the whip then tuck the excess whip in the wall cavity while in the process of mounting the unit on the bracket?
Maybe I'm missing something.

For that matter, put a cord on it and use one of these:

 

[AC\DC]

For that matter, put a cord on it and use one of these:

View attachment 2564648

Good idea
Actually brilliant