Computer type IEC320 cord usage and ratings

[ELA]

I have a piece of equipment that has an IEC320 (computer type cable) with a female end plugged into the equipment. The other end of the cable has bare wires as opposed to having a nema 5-15 plug.

My question is can I use this cable which is #18/3 and rated to 10 amps, wire nutted into a 15 amp branch circuit?
I am guessing not but wanted to ask those who would know for sure.

I know that if the Nema 5-15 plug is used then it is considered plug connected equipment and the #18/3 wire is ok being plugged into a 15A branch circuit.

Since we are not using the plug but instead wire nutting the end in a junction box does this mandate a #14/3 cable?
Any way a tap rule can apply?

The cable is 6 ft long and SJT insulation. Load current is 3 amps maximum.

Thanks

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

I must ask why are you doing this ?

 

[ELA]

Our customer wants his controller to be easily disconnectable for maintenance reasons. The 6' -SJT cord would be within the confines of the machinery this controller serves. The IEC320 cord end provides the quick disconnect means while the other end is to be more permanently installed.
The other end is to be terminated to the branch circuit conductors in a 4x4 box using wirenuts.


While NEC may not even have jurisdiction over the confines of the product I would like to be able to refute a third party review should they not allow it.

Mostly I would like to be able to site NEC either way.

Can one reason that since this cord would be allowed if plugged in to an outlet, and would be considered to be protected by a 15 branch circuit breaker, then shouldn't it be allowed to permanently connect one of the two ends?
Unfortunately I am not very knowledgable in NEC requirements and so I ask here.

I am curious what reasoning would be used to prohibit this or explain it as unsafe in some way?

I may just try to convince the customer to use a different type of power connector and use 14 awg conductors. They like the IEC320 connection
so I have located a higher rated IEC320 -SJT cable (#14) awg but they require a different mating inlet connector which causes some complications and twice the cost. If it must be then I will go there.