Ecmweb 20609 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes July 2018 Pr 0

Illustrated Catastrophes: Service Station Shenanigans

July 16, 2018

NEC Code Catastrophes

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

Service Station Shenanigans

I spotted this disaster while driving by a vehicle service station. Of course, I immediately parked my car, and jumped out to take a few pictures. It appears there once was some type of wooden “doghouse” type of enclosure built around this equipment to provide some protection from the weather. The deteriorated remnants of the enclosure have left this equipment exposed to the elements, which offers up a variety of violations.

Www Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Nec Illustrated Catastrophes July 2018 1

The panelboard enclosure is not suited for use in a wet location as specified in Sec. 312.2. It is now subjecting the equipment to rain and moisture. Wet circuit breakers and bus bars could create a dangerous situation. Section 110.28 provides choices for selecting the correct type of enclosure for specific locations. For example, a Type 3R enclosure might be a good choice for this situation.

The receptacles located below the panelboard are also exposed directly to the weather because the box cover is broken off. This is a violation of Sec. 406.9(B)(1), which requires a complete weatherproof enclosure be installed to protect these receptacles even while equipment is plugged in. An outlet box hood for this receptacle box would need to be rated as “extra duty” type.

Color Correction Gone Wrong

Www Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Nec Illustrated Catastrophes July 2018 2

Although the installer correctly chose green tape as a means of trying to re-identify those red conductors being used as equipment grounding conductors (EGCs), it doesn’t cover up the Code violation. Section 250.119 states that insulated or covered EGCs must have a continuous outer finish of green or green with one or more yellow stripes. Green tape on red insulation doesn’t cut it for EGCs sized 6 AWG and smaller. Section 250.119(A)(1) does; however, permit the use of green tape or green labels encircling the conductor to identify EGCs sized 4 AWG and larger. Perhaps the installer mistakenly thought Sec. 250.119(A)(1) applied here too. Where part of a multiconductor cable assembly, and where conditions ensure only qualified people will be servicing the installation, Sec. 250.119(B) allows insulated EGCs to be identified with green tape or markings at each end and every place the conductor is accessible. For flexible cords, Sec. 250.119(C) requires the EGC to have insulation that is green or green with one or more yellow stripes.

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.