Ecmweb 14810 Nec Whats Wrong Here June 2017 0
Ecmweb 14810 Nec Whats Wrong Here June 2017 0
Ecmweb 14810 Nec Whats Wrong Here June 2017 0
Ecmweb 14810 Nec Whats Wrong Here June 2017 0
Ecmweb 14810 Nec Whats Wrong Here June 2017 0

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Measure twice, cut once

June 28, 2017
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

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. Can you identify the specific Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2017 NEC.

Hint: Measure twice, cut once.

April Winner

Believe it or not, this isn’t a flexible cord or cable. This is a group of PVC runs that have “self-destructed” due to the lack of proper supports and failure to use expansion fittings. Our lone winner this month was Tyson Suhre, a wastewater specialist from Cape Girardeau, Mo. He knew these PVC conduits were not supported properly.

Table 352.30 establishes the maximum spacing between PVC conduit supports. For sizes ½ in. through 1 in., conduit supports must be spaced no farther than 3 ft apart. For sizes 1¼ in. through 2 in., conduit supports must be spaced no farther than 5 ft apart — so on and so forth. However, even if the conduit supports are spaced correctly, failure to install an expansion fitting as required by Sec. 352.44 can result in bending and warping of the conduit and eventual failure. That appears to have been the case for this installation. The extra strain on the conduit supports from the pipe warping and bending can cause one clip to come loose or break. Over time, another clip fails, and then another and another until the pipe eventually looks like the one in this picture.

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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