Equipment for General Use

Equipment for General Use — Texas Journeyman Exam Study Chapter

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

1.1 Scope of Article 400 — Flexible Cords and Cables

Article 400 covers the construction, installation, and use of flexible cords and flexible cables. This includes cords like SJOOW, SOOW, and SJT. The NEC does not cover cords that are an integral part of an appliance (e.g., a toaster cord) — those are covered by the appliance standard.

Key definitions to know:

Ampacity tables: Table 400.5(A)(1) and Table 400.5(A)(2) provide ampacities for flexible cords. These tables are based on not more than three current-carrying conductors. If you have more than three, you must apply the adjustment factors from Table 400.5(B).

Exam trap: Many candidates confuse Table 400.5(A) with Table 310.16 (building wire). They are different. Flexible cord ampacities are generally lower than building wire of the same gauge. Always check which table applies.

Field point: On site, when you extend a cord with a cord cap, the cord must be a listed type and the ampacity must be at least the rating of the equipment. Never use a cord that is smaller than 18 AWG for power, except for certain low-voltage applications.

1.2 Uses and Prohibited Uses of Flexible Cords

Section 400.10 lists permitted uses. The most common are:

Section 400.12 lists prohibited uses. You cannot use flexible cord:

Exam trap: A common question asks whether a cord can be run through a wall to connect a window AC unit. The answer is no — that is a prohibited use. The cord must be visible and accessible.

Field point: When you install a cord for a hardwired appliance that must be moved for service, keep the cord length short and use a strain relief. Never staple cords to the wall.

1.3 Fixture Wires — Article 402

Fixture wires are used for internal wiring of luminaires and for connecting luminaires to branch circuits. They are smaller than standard branch-circuit conductors and are covered in Article 402.

Key points:

Exam trap: You cannot use fixture wire as a branch-circuit conductor. Branch circuits require conductors rated at least 14 AWG for 15 A circuits (unless a specific exception applies).

Field point: When wiring a lay-in troffer, you will often use fixture whips (pre-wired flexible metal conduit with fixture wires). These are acceptable because they are part of a listed assembly.

1.4 Receptacle Installation — Article 406

Article 406 covers receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs. Key sections:

Receptacle spacing (210.52): In dwelling units, receptacles must be installed so that no point along the floor line is more than 6 ft from a receptacle. This is the 6-ft rule. The logic: a lamp cord is typically 6 ft long, so you can place a lamp anywhere and reach a receptacle.

Exam trap: The 6-ft rule applies to wall space — not to the center of the room. Also, doorways, fireplaces, and fixed cabinets do not count as wall space.

GFCI requirements (210.8): In dwelling units, GFCI protection is required for receptacles in:

AFCI requirements (210.12): AFCI protection is required for branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling unit bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and similar areas. The 2026 NEC continues to expand AFCI coverage to more areas.

Field point: When you rough-in a kitchen, you must place countertop receptacles so that no point along the counter is more than 2 ft from a receptacle (measured horizontally). This is the 2-ft rule for countertops.

1.5 Receptacle Load Calculations — Article 220

For general-purpose receptacles in non-dwelling occupancies, the NEC requires a load of 180 VA per receptacle (220.14(I)). This is a unit load — you count the number of receptacles and multiply by 180 VA.

Multi-outlet assemblies (220.14(H)): For a continuous run of receptacles (e.g., a plugmold strip), the load is:

Exam trap: For dwelling units, you do not apply the 180 VA rule to general-purpose receptacles. Dwelling unit general loads are calculated using the VA per square foot method (3 VA per sq ft for general lighting and receptacles combined).

Field point: When you calculate a commercial office, count every duplex receptacle as 180 VA. A duplex counts as one receptacle for load purposes, not two.

1.6 Switches — Article 404

Article 404 covers switches, including snap switches, dimmers, and control devices.

Key requirements:

Ratings: A general-use snap switch must be rated for the voltage and current of the circuit. If the switch controls a motor load, the switch must have a horsepower rating.

Dimmers (404.14(E)): Dimmers must be rated for the type of load (incandescent, LED, fluorescent). If you use a dimmer on an LED load, the dimmer must be listed for LED loads. Standard incandescent dimmers will cause flicker and possible damage.

Exam trap: A common question asks whether a switch can be used to control a 20 A circuit. The answer is yes, if the switch is rated 20 A. A 15 A switch cannot control a 20 A circuit unless the load is 15 A or less and the switch is marked "15 A."

Field point: When you install a three-way switch, the common terminal is usually darker in color. Always verify the wiring diagram on the switch — do not rely on color alone.

1.7 Cord-and-Plug-Connected and Fixed Appliances — Article 422

Article 422 covers appliances, including fixed, stationary, and portable types.

Key requirements:

Disconnecting means (422.31): For fixed appliances, a disconnecting means must be provided. This can be a switch, a circuit breaker, or a cord-and-plug connection (if the plug is accessible).

Exam trap: A range or oven that is hardwired must have a disconnecting means within sight or be capable of being locked in the open position. A cord-and-plug range with a accessible plug is acceptable.

Field point: When you install a garbage disposal, you must provide a disconnecting means. A cord-and-plug connection under the sink is common, but the receptacle must be GFCI-protected if within 6 ft of the sink.

1.8 Fixed Electric Space Heating — Article 424

Article 424 covers fixed electric space heating equipment, including baseboard heaters, wall heaters, and radiant heating cables.

Key requirements:

Exam trap: For baseboard heaters, the total load is calculated at 100% of the nameplate rating. You cannot use the general lighting load calculation for heaters.

Field point: When you wire a baseboard heater, the thermostat must be rated for the full current of the heater. Many thermostats are rated for 16 A or 22 A — check the label.

1.9 Code Navigation — Where to Find It

Use this quick-reference table during the exam:

1.10 Common Exam Traps — Final Review

1.11 Practical Field Summary

As a journeyman, you will apply these rules daily:

End of Chapter — Equipment for General Use.