Ecmweb 16821 Nec Code Violations Oct 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 16821 Nec Code Violations Oct 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 16821 Nec Code Violations Oct 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 16821 Nec Code Violations Oct 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 16821 Nec Code Violations Oct 2017 Pr

Illustrated Catastrophes: Athletic Non-Supporter

Oct. 16, 2017
More Code catastrophes uncovered and corrected in these faulty installations

All references are based on the 2017 edition of the NEC.

Athletic Non-Supporter

I spotted this arrangement on the backside of a scoreboard at a local little league baseball field. The installers apparently forgot about some of the support requirements for wiring methods and boxes. The liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) installed between the two boxes is completely unsupported, except for the connectors. Section 350.30(A) requires LFMC to be secured within 12 in. of each box and at 4½-ft intervals. There are four exceptions that allow alternative supporting options to this general rule, but none of those is applicable to this installation.

In addition, the weatherproof square box is not properly supported. The only reason it is not flopping around in the breeze is because of its attachment to the one rigid metal conduit (RMC). The LFMC provides no support for the box. Section 314.23(E) allows threaded RMC or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) to support this type of box, but the use of two conduits is required to support the box correctly. Using only one conduit is not considered a Code-compliant means of support. The RMC itself is not supported correctly either. Section 344.30(A)(1) requires the RMC to be securely fastened within 3 ft of the box.

Communications Cable Avalanche

If there ever was a job that needed a “do-over,” this might be it. The installers were obviously in a rush to get off this job and move onto the next unsuspecting customer. They certainly took no time to be neat and workmanlike with this installation, as required by Sec. 800.24. The coaxial cables are draped over pipes, secured to raceways, and are spilling out of the boxes that are supposed to contain all of the connections. Many cables are dangling or protruding out at eye level and could easily scratch an unsuspecting worker’s eye if he or she was not wearing eye protection. Section 820.133(B) prohibits these coaxial cables from being secured or attached to the exterior of any raceway or conduit as a means of support. On the ceiling, you may notice there are also other communication circuits secured to raceways as a means of support. This is in violation of Sec. 800.133(B). If any of these coaxial cables are abandoned, then they should be removed in accordance with Sec. 820.25. With this mess, I’m not sure how anyone could determine what’s active and what’s been abandoned.

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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