We intend that every electric heating and cooking appliance have an indicating switch, either in the circuit or on the appliance. By an indicating switch we mean one that allows you to visually determine whether the switch is in an “on” or “off” position. If there is more than one individual heating element and each element is controlled by its own switch, no main switch need be provided; an example is an electric range, where each element has its own switch. Up to 30 A, an attachment plug and receptacle are an acceptable means for disconnecting the power to an appliance.
Rule 26-746 Appliances Exceeding 1500 W
(1) Every electric heating and cooking appliance rated at more than 1500 W shall be supplied from a branch circuit used solely for one appliance except that more than one appliance may be connected to a single-branch circuit provided that the following is used:
(a) A multiple-throw manually operated device that will permit only one such appliance to be energized at one time; or
(b) An automatic device that will limit the total load to a value that will not cause operation of the overcurrent devices protecting the branch circuit.
2) Every electric heating and cooking appliance rated at more than 1500 W shall be controlled by an indicating switch which shall be permitted to be in the circuit or on the appliance except that:
(a) If the rating of the appliance does not exceed 30 A, an attachment plug and receptacle shall be permitted to be used instead of a switch; and
(b) If the appliance has more than one individual heating element, each controlled by a switch, no main switch need be provided.
(3) For the purpose of this Rule, two or more separate built-in cooking units shall be considered as one appliance.
Tony Moscioni
Electrical Inspector
© Electrical Safety Authority – 2001
