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Monday, April 25, 2022
Question:
Good Morning,
A residential, dedicated, dishwasher circuit. The circuit is NM cable in the residential basement. It is spliced in the basement to MC cable and installed in the sink base cabinet. There are about 4 to 6 inches of MC cable on the back wall of the sink base cabinet that terminates in a 4-inch square box with a GFCI outlet for the dishwasher. The dishwasher is new and comes with a cord set already attached from the manufacturer. The dishwasher is located in the adjoining cabinet from the sink base. Our inspector says it must be EMT in the sink base for physical protection. MC is not acceptable. Can you cite this in the NEC?
Thanks for the service, we read you every day.
Vern Ackler
A
Answer:
Hello Vern, Section 330.12(1) indicates that Type MC Cable shall not be used where subject to physical damage. Although it would be better than just the NM cable for the short length, the NEC does contain the restriction. Section 358.12(1) indicates that EMTs shall not be used where subject to severe physical damage. The inspector has made an interpretation here that the use of EMT would be adequate to provide protection from physical damage, as opposed to severe physical damage. The inspector has the responsibility for interpreting, applying, and enforcing the requirements and approving installations as indicated in Section 90.4.