Appliance cords are governed by U.L, not the NEC. As such, It's quite common to
see undersized appliance cords. 18 amp air conditioners with a #14awg cord. 16
amp hairdryers witha #16 awg cord. Likewise, it's also not uncommon to see
percolators, toasters, portable heaters and the like with cords 1 or 2 awg
sizes smaller than the appliance calls for under NEC rules.