Ecmweb 5861 Ic
Ecmweb 5861 Ic
Ecmweb 5861 Ic
Ecmweb 5861 Ic
Ecmweb 5861 Ic

Illustrated Catastrophes: 110.3(B), 406.9(A), 225.10, 340.12(10), 225.20, 230.50(B)(1), 555.13(A)(1), 300.5(J), 352.12(C), 555.17

Nov. 15, 2013
More Code catastrophes uncovered and corrected in these faulty installations

Yes, This is Located Outdoors

The first obvious violation with this installation is the receptacle cover. This cover would be weatherproof when closed if it were installed horizontally so the receptacle covers flipped up rather than to the side. But because the cover was not installed according to instructions, it’s a violation of 110.3(B). Section 406.9(A) permits “weather-proof when closed” covers for damp locations. Because this is an outdoor wet location, using this type of cover is a violation of the requirements in 406.9(B). Wet locations require the use of an enclosure that is weather-proof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. Typically, this type of cover is called a “bubble cover.”

Next on the list is the UF cable supplying power to the box. Although 225.10 permits UF cable to be installed as outside wiring on buildings, Sec. 340.12(10) prohibits it from being installed where it is subject to physical damage. The blue racks to the right of the receptacle show this area is being used for storage and loading — and is certainly a location where the cable could be easily damaged. In accordance with 225.20, and in conjunction with 230.50(B)(1), mechanical protection could be in the form of rigid metal conduit (RMC), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), Schedule 80 PVC, electrical metallic tubing (EMT), reinforced thermosetting resin conduit (RTRC), or some other approved means.

Someone Really Missed the Boat

Section 555.13(A)(1) permits the use of PVC as a wiring method for marinas and boatyards; however, the PVC supplying this shore power receptacle is snapped off at the connector, leaving the damaged conductors exposed. This was because the installer did not anticipate the movement of the dock area and PVC coming out of the ground. Section 300.5(J) requires direct buried raceways, cables, and conductors subject to movement from settling or frost heaves to be arranged so that the movement does not cause damage to the conductors or the equipment connected to the raceways. The use of an expansion joint or flexible wiring methods may have prevented this breakage from happening in the first place. Because this PVC is exposed and installed in an area where it is subject to physical damage, Sec. 352.12(C) requires the use of thicker walled Schedule 80 PVC instead of the thinner walled Schedule 40 PVC. Section 555.17 requires a disconnecting means of the switch or circuit breaker type for this receptacle to be readily accessible and located within 30 in. of the receptacle. There was no disconnect to be found anywhere in sight. All in all, this installation leaves me feeling a little sea sick.

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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