Ecmweb 15562 Nec Whats Wrong Here August 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 15562 Nec Whats Wrong Here August 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 15562 Nec Whats Wrong Here August 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 15562 Nec Whats Wrong Here August 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 15562 Nec Whats Wrong Here August 2017 Pr

What's Wrong Here? Hint: This gives new meaning to deep knee bends.

Aug. 23, 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: This gives new meaning to deep knee bends.?

June Winners

Our qualified winners this month were: John Russell, Russell Electric Co., Loveland, Colo.; Mark Nickel, P.E., electrical engineer, ADG, Oklahoma City; and John Lackey, P.E., senior electrical engineer, AMC Engineers, Bellingham, Wash. All three were able to correctly identify some of the Code violations in this installation.

It’s pretty clear from this photo that the installer did not follow the old trade rule of “measure twice and cut once.” Something went horribly wrong with the measurements for the length of this raceway, which created a violation of Sec. 300.12. This Code section requires raceways to be continuous between fittings, enclosures, or outlets. Section 300.10 similarly requires metal raceways to be metallically joined together and connected to boxes, fittings, and cabinets to provide effective electrical continuity. There is no electrical continuity for this raceway installation. Section 300.3(A) generally does not permit single conductors unless installed as part of a Chapter 3 wiring method. The installer came up short on all of these Code requirements. It also appears the installer got creative with the connections on the bottom of the pneumatic valve actuator by using an RMC coupling with an FMC connector to try to establish some connection to the wiring compartment. Section 300.15 requires fittings to be used only with the wiring methods for which they are designed and listed.
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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