Does Article 300 apply to conductors that form an integral part of equipment?

Article 300 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) pertains to the general requirements for wiring methods and materials. It establishes the conditions under which conductors must be installed to ensure safety and proper functionality. In this context, conductors that form an integral part of the equipment, such as the internal wiring within a device or appliance, are not covered by Article 300. This is because Article 300 is primarily focused on conductors outside of equipment that need to be installed in a way that considers safety, accessibility, and performance.

The reasoning behind this is that conductors that are built into equipment typically follow different standards pertaining to the construction and operation of that specific type of equipment. Therefore, these conductors do not need to adhere to the general installation requirements set forth in Article 300, which applies to conductors that run through walls, ceilings, or other structures outside of the equipment itself.

This understanding helps clarify the scope of Article 300 and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the specific context and application of electrical codes, particularly relating to the integration of conductors in equipment versus their external wiring configurations.