Ecmweb 8187 Nec Illustrated Violations April 2016 Pr

Illustrated Catastrophes: A Cascade of Missteps

April 22, 2016

More Code catastrophes uncovered and corrected in these faulty installations

All references are based on the 2014 edition of the NEC.

A Cascade of Missteps

A big “thank you” goes out to Jerome Reinhart for sharing this photo with us. Jerome, an electrician from Peabody, Mass., discovered this problematic power panel while performing a service call for one of his customers. Instead of using cable connectors for each of the MC, AC, and NM cables, the installer simply popped out a couple of large knockouts and slipped all of the cables through them without any type of secure connection to the panelboard cabinet. Not cool, man!

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Section 312.5(C) requires each of these cables to be secured to the cabinet. This lack of connection creates some serious safety concerns, especially for the metal cables. How is the grounding and bonding established for these circuits and equipment? This lack of bonding and grounding creates a violation of Sec. 300.10, which requires these metal cables to be connected to the cabinet in a manner that establishes effective electrical continuity. However, it does appear that the installer attempted to splice the internal bonding strip of the AC cables as though they were an equipment grounding conductor (EGC). Regardless of that poor attempt to establish some type of electrical continuity, overall this installation is simply a disaster.

Excessive Inaccessibility

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I’m not exactly sure how we are supposed to gain access to that motor disconnecting switch. Are you? I guess we could climb over or under/around and in between the pipes and other equipment, but it sure won’t be easy. I don’t think I’m limber enough to squeeze myself into such a tight space.

In accordance with Sec. 430.107, at least one motor circuit disconnecting means must be readily accessible. This one certainly is not. I have no idea where, if any, other disconnects may be located. There were no other disconnects located in this room and no signage stating where they may be located. Any fuses installed in that disconnect switch are also required to be readily accessible in accordance with Sec. 240.24(A).

It would be a very dangerous situation for any worker to work inside this disconnect while it was energized. Just opening the cover to check for voltage or to replace fuses would place a worker in an exceptionally risky position. With all of the grounded metal parts surrounding this disconnect, it would be way too easy to get a shock or be exposed to an arc flash with just the slightest miscue.

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.