Ecmweb 14955 6 28 17wwh 1
Ecmweb 14955 6 28 17wwh 1
Ecmweb 14955 6 28 17wwh 1
Ecmweb 14955 6 28 17wwh 1
Ecmweb 14955 6 28 17wwh 1

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Don’t Rush to Judgement

July 6, 2017
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: Don’t rush to judgement

Scroll Down to Find the Answer

EC&M reader Bill Gatewood was kind enough to share this photo with us. In his words, this is a “new LED install with many problems.” He goes on to say, “Wrong rough-in frame, no support wire to ceiling, and ballast not supported.” It certainly seems as though the installer may have rushed through this installation and did not put the finishing touches on it.

Section 410.30(A) requires luminaires to be securely supported. I am not so sure that relying on a removable ceiling tile as the sole means of support will meet this “secure support” requirement. Section 410.36 does permit the use of framing members of suspended ceilings to be used as a supporting means for luminaires where the luminaire is securely fastened to framing members, which are securely fastened to each other and to the building structure.

It also appears as though several MC cables are lacking the proper support, as required by Sec. 330.30. Generally speaking, these MC cables must be supported and secured at no greater than 6-ft intervals.

Cleaning up the debris that was scattered on the ceiling tiles is part of the “neat and workmanlike” requirements stressed in Sec. 110.12. It’s another indication that this installer may have been in a rush to get the job done.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

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