Ecmweb 15153 7 20 17wwh
Ecmweb 15153 7 20 17wwh
Ecmweb 15153 7 20 17wwh
Ecmweb 15153 7 20 17wwh
Ecmweb 15153 7 20 17wwh

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: This Installer Only Gets Partial Credit

July 19, 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: This installer only gets partial credit.

Scroll Down to See the Answer

One of the ironies of this improper coaxial cable bonding/grounding connection is the fact that the electrical service equipment is located in the same room. Bonding the coaxial cable shield to the grounded electrical service equipment would have been the right thing to do.

Section 820.100(B)(2) establishes the requirements for bonding/grounding of CATV systems in buildings with no intersystem bonding termination installed. The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor (GEC) must be connected to the nearest of the following items:

1)    the grounding electrode system described in Sec. 250.50;

2)    the first 5 ft of a grounded interior metal water pipe;

3)    external connections on grounded power service enclosures;

4)    nonflexible metal service raceways;

5)    service equipment enclosures;

6)    the GEC or the GEC enclosure of the service;

7)    the grounding electrode or the GEC of a building supplied by a branch circuit or feeder.

The EMT used as the grounding and bonding point for this CATV system is a branch circuit raceway and does not meet any of those requirements. I will give partial credit to the installer for realizing that bonding the systems together is important in reducing the possibility of voltage differentials from developing between the two systems. This is especially important during lightning storms.

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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