National Electrical Code

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: PVC Problems on the Pier

Sept. 7, 2017

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: PVC problems on the pier

Scroll Down to See the Answer

It won’t be long now before water starts to get into this box and wreak havoc with any terminations or splices that may be inside. The gaping hole created by the PVC popping out of the box can also allow all kinds of critters like bees and wasps to make a happy home inside the box, creating a wonderful surprise for the poor electrician who opens it while troubleshooting to see why the power is out. I’ve been the unlucky recipient of that surprise a few times in my career. It’s not fun.

Properly securing the PVC and the box could help prevent situations like this from happening. This ¾-in. PVC conduit is required to be securely fastened within 3 ft of this box as specified in Sec. 352.30(A). As you can see, there are no clips visible in this photo. Perhaps using an expansion/deflection fitting on the PVC conduit as specified in Sec. 300.7(B) and Sec. 352.44 could have helped maintain the integrity of this installation. What we have now is a violation of Sec. 314.17(C), which requires the PVC wiring method to be secured to the box.

In addition, we also have a violation of Sec. 300.12, which requires raceways to be continuous between boxes and other enclosures. This one now comes up a little short.

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.