NEC® Changes · 2020 NEC®

422.16 Flexible cords

RevisedChanged in the 2020 NEC® (from the 2017 NEC®)· Updated October 24, 2026

What changed in 422.16

Over-the-range microwave and hood combination units are now clearly covered by the cord-and-plug rules for range hoods.

Point by point

  • The cord rules for range hoods now also cover over-the-range microwave and range hood combination units.

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Get the whole breakdown

  • 3 more points on exactly what changed
  • The 2017 rule next to the 2020 rule, side by side
  • Why it changed
  • What to do and check on the job

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This section across NEC® editions

2020 NEC®RevisedYou're here

Over-the-range microwave and hood combination units are now clearly covered by the cord-and-plug rules for range hoods.

2023 NEC®Revised

Trash compactor cord rules were lined up with the dishwasher cord rules in one combined list.

Open the 2023 page →
2026 NEC®No change

This section did not change from 2023 to 2026.

More 2020 changes in Article 422

This is a plain-English summary, not the NEC®'s exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC® edition your area has adopted, plus any local amendments.

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