Ecmweb 5596 Ic
Ecmweb 5596 Ic
Ecmweb 5596 Ic
Ecmweb 5596 Ic
Ecmweb 5596 Ic

Illustrated Catastrophes: 400.7, 400.8, 400.8(1), Art. 250, 250.4(A)(2) and (3), 250.110, 404.9(A), 406.6, 404.9(A), 314.29,

June 11, 2013
More Code catastrophes uncovered and corrected in these faulty installations

All references are based on the 2011 edition of the NEC.

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

The installer who used “zip cord” to wire this transformer created several violations. The way in which this was installed leaves the transformer case ungrounded and the splices floating in free space. The use of flexible cord in this manner creates a violation of 400.7 and 400.8. There are 10 permitted uses for flexible cords described in 400.7 including, in part, wiring for pendants, luminaires, portable signs and appliances, elevators, cranes, for the prevention of noise or vibration, specific appliances, moving parts, and elsewhere specifically permitted by the Code. Wiring this transformer was not on this approved list. In addition, 400.8(1) prohibits using flexible cord as a substitute for fixed wiring methods. The lack of equipment grounding or bonding for the transformer case creates several violations of Art. 250, including 250.4(A)(2)and (3), which generally require the case to be grounded and bonded. Similarly, 250.110 requires equipment grounding for the non-current-carrying metal parts of fixed equipment likely to become energized. You may also notice the missing cover for the device box. This is a violation of 404.9(A) and 406.6, which require faceplates to be installed for switches and receptacles. All in all, this installation creates some serious shock hazards.

New Wood Molding Looks “Hot”

This new wood molding looks fantastic. Unfortunately, the installer made it impossible to install a faceplate on the switch. The lack of a faceplate is a violation of 404.9(A). Faceplates must be installed to completely cover the box opening, and in the case of a flush-mounted switch, it must seated flush against the finished wall. I also wonder how an electrician might go about removing this switch, since the lower mounting screw has been covered up. I supposed they would have to remove the molding first. This, of course, would be a violation of 314.29, as boxes are supposed to be installed in a manner such that the wiring in them can be accessed without removing any part of the building. In addition, because there is no faceplate, the combustible wood is now exposed to any arcing or sparking that may occur at splices or terminals inside this box. This could create a real fire hazard. The lack of a faceplate also leaves the energized terminals exposed in a manner that a person could contact them and receive a shock.

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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