NEC 400.8

What it means on the job

Window AC units must be plugged directly into a wall outlet, never an extension cord. Extension cords cause voltage drop, overheating, and are a fire hazard with high-amperage equipment.

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Related NEC sections

NEC 314.16(B)(1)-(B)(5)

This box is OVERFILLED, so it is not compliant. Per NEC 314.16(B), each #14 AWG insulated conductor counts as 2.0 cu in (6 conductors = 12.0). Per 314.16(B)(2) all internal clamps together count as one allowance (2.0). Per 314.16(B)(5) all equipment grounding conductors together count as one allowance (2.0). Critically, per NEC 314.16(B)(4) a device yoke counts as TWO volume allowances based on the largest conductor connected to it: 2 x 2.0 = 4.0 cu in — not one. Total = 12.0 + 2.0 + 2.0 + 4.0 = 20.0 cu in required, which exceeds the 18.0 cu in box by 2.0 cu in. A larger box (or fewer conductors) is required.

NEC 314.29

All junction boxes, pull boxes, and conduit bodies must remain accessible without removing any part of the building structure. Boxes cannot be buried behind walls, ceilings, or floors.

NEC 358.26

The maximum number of bends between pull points cannot exceed 360 degrees (four 90-degree bends). Exceeding this limit makes wire pulling extremely difficult and risks damaging conductor insulation.

NEC 406.12(1)

All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in dwelling-unit bathrooms must be listed tamper-resistant. A standard (non-TR) receptacle is a violation. (Note: a 15A receptacle is itself permitted on a 20A circuit serving two or more receptacles per Table 210.21(B)(3) — the defect here is the missing tamper-resistant listing, not the amperage.)

NEC 406.9(C)

Receptacles are not permitted within or directly over the bathtub or shower space (within 3 ft horizontally and 8 ft vertically of the threshold).

NEC 408.4 / NFPA 70E 205.2

A single-line diagram showing the electrical distribution system must be available to workers for safe operation and troubleshooting. Without it, workers cannot identify all energy sources, which is essential for lockout/tagout procedures.

CraftIQ explanations are original educational commentary written in trade language and verified against the cited standards. Always confirm requirements against the code edition adopted by your jurisdiction — this is training material, not a substitute for the code book or your AHJ.