NEC 422.31 and 422.33 Appliance Disconnect Lookup
NEC Article 422 separates appliance disconnecting means from the normal circuit-sizing checks. Use this page to identify the field decision points before treating a fixed appliance or cord-and-plug connected appliance as service-ready.
| Field Item | NEC Reference | Field Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance disconnect rule | NEC 422.31 | Permanently connected appliances need a disconnecting means reviewed separately from load, breaker, and conductor sizing. |
| Cord-and-plug appliances | NEC 422.33 | A cord-and-plug connection may serve as the appliance disconnect only when the applicable Code conditions, product instructions, and receptacle conditions are met. Where receptacle location or protection is part of the review, check NEC 210.8 GFCI Protection Requirements separately. |
| Breaker as disconnect | NEC 422.31 context | A branch-circuit breaker may be part of the disconnect strategy only when visibility, lockability, rating, and rule conditions are satisfied. |
| Within sight review | NEC 422.31 context | Some appliance disconnect decisions depend on whether the disconnect is visible from the appliance location or otherwise lockable in the open position. Equipment access around that disconnect may also need NEC 110.26 Working Space review. |
| Unit switch limits | NEC 422.31 context | A switch built into the appliance is not automatically the required disconnect unless the appliance and Code conditions support that use. |
| Fixed-in-place equipment | NEC 422 context | Dishwashers, disposals, water heaters, built-in appliances, and similar fixed equipment often need a disconnect review beyond circuit rating. HVAC equipment disconnects are reviewed separately under NEC 440.14 HVAC Disconnect. |
| Nameplate and instructions | NEC 110.3(B) / Article 422 context | Manufacturer instructions, appliance listing, and nameplate data, along with field labeling and local inspection requirements, can control the final disconnect arrangement. Where the installation depends on field-applied labels, review NEC 110.21(B) Field-Applied Hazard Markings. |
| Calculator boundary | TradeHub scope | TradeHub can help screen load, breaker, wire, ampacity, voltage drop, and raceway conditions, but it does not approve the appliance disconnecting means. If the appliance circuit OCPD changes, separately review NEC 250.122 Equipment Grounding Conductor Sizing. |
Field Boundary
Breaker Size Boundary
A breaker may protect the circuit correctly and still fail the appliance disconnecting-means review. NEC 422.31 and 422.33 focus on how the appliance can be safely disconnected for service, maintenance, and replacement.
The field review must consider the appliance connection method, whether the disconnect is within sight or lockable as required, whether a cord-and-plug connection is accessible and permitted, and whether the appliance instructions require a specific arrangement.
Field Translation
Sizing the circuit answers one question. Disconnecting the appliance safely answers another.
Connection Type
Connection Type
The first field split is whether the appliance is permanently connected or cord-and-plug connected. That decision changes how the disconnecting means is reviewed.
- Permanently connected: Hardwired appliances need a disconnecting means reviewed under the fixed-appliance rules and installed conditions.
- Cord and plug: The plug may serve as the disconnect only when it remains accessible and meets the applicable Code and product conditions.
- Unit switch: A built-in switch should not be assumed to satisfy the disconnect rule without checking the appliance listing and NEC conditions.
- Lockable breaker: A remote breaker may need a listed lockable open position when it is used as the disconnecting means.
Service Readiness
Service Readiness Checks
- Connection method is clear. Identify hardwired, cord-and-plug, factory cord, field cord, or receptacle connection before judging the disconnect.
- Disconnect location is usable. Review whether the disconnect is within sight or properly lockable where the rule requires it.
- Plug access is real. A cord-and-plug disconnect is not useful if the plug is buried behind fixed equipment or blocked after installation.
- Instructions are checked. Appliance listing, nameplate, and manufacturer instructions can limit acceptable connection and disconnect methods.
Calculator Use
TradeHub Calculator Application
TradeHub calculators can support the electrical sizing around an appliance circuit, while disconnect type, accessibility, lockability, and listed-equipment instructions remain separate field checks.
Related TradeHub Calculators
Field Checks
Field Checks
- The appliance is identified as fixed, hardwired, cord-and-plug connected, or factory-connected.
- Breaker, switch, plug, or unit switch is confirmed as the intended disconnecting means.
- Remote disconnects are reviewed for lockable-open requirements where applicable.
- Cord-and-plug access remains usable after the appliance is installed.
- Appliance instructions, listing, and nameplate conditions are checked.
- GFCI, receptacle, enclosure, and working-space rules are reviewed where the installation triggers them.
Common Misses
Common Field Misses
- Assuming the breaker is acceptable because the circuit is correctly sized.
- Using a cord-and-plug connection but leaving the plug inaccessible after installation.
- Treating a built-in appliance switch as the required disconnect without checking the rule conditions.
- Forgetting lockable-open requirements when the disconnect is remote from the appliance.
- Ignoring manufacturer instructions that require a specific disconnect or connection method.
- Replacing an appliance without reviewing whether the old disconnect arrangement still applies.
Source Scope
Source Alignment and Use Scope
This page is a field reference based on NEC 422.31 and NEC 422.33 appliance disconnecting-means review and related TradeHub source alignment records. It summarizes field decision points for screening and planning only. It does not reproduce NEC text, approve appliance disconnect placement, determine lockout adequacy, approve unit-switch use, verify cord-and-plug conditions, replace product instructions, or replace adopted local amendments, qualified-person review, listing requirements, manufacturer instructions, or AHJ inspection. Review the TradeHub Code Citation & Source Log for source alignment records and the TradeHub Methodology page for how field references are scoped.
FAQ
Appliance Disconnect FAQ
Is appliance disconnect approval the same as breaker sizing?
No. Breaker sizing and conductor sizing are separate from verifying the appliance disconnecting means. NEC 422.31 and 422.33 address how the appliance can be disconnected for service or maintenance.
Can a circuit breaker serve as an appliance disconnect?
Sometimes. A breaker may serve as the disconnect only when the applicable NEC conditions, visibility, lockability, product instructions, and local inspection requirements are satisfied.
Is a cord-and-plug connection always enough for appliance disconnecting means?
No. Cord-and-plug connected appliances must meet the applicable NEC conditions and product instructions. Accessibility, receptacle location, attachment plug, and service conditions still need field review.
Can an appliance unit switch count as the disconnect?
Only when the appliance, listing, and Code conditions support that use. A built-in switch should not be assumed to satisfy the disconnecting-means rule without review.
Can TradeHub verify an appliance disconnecting means?
No. TradeHub calculators can support circuit sizing and related checks, but they do not approve disconnect placement, lockability, unit-switch use, cord-and-plug conditions, listing instructions, or AHJ acceptance.