Ecmweb 6166 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes March 2014 3 Pr
Ecmweb 6166 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes March 2014 3 Pr
Ecmweb 6166 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes March 2014 3 Pr
Ecmweb 6166 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes March 2014 3 Pr
Ecmweb 6166 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes March 2014 3 Pr

Illustrated Catastrophes: Working Space and Need for Sunlight-Resistant Clips

March 19, 2014
More Code catastrophes uncovered and corrected in these faulty installations

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

Space Thieves Strike Again

A big “thank you” goes out to Steve Perry, an electrician from Peabody, Mass., for sharing this great photo with us. This is another outstanding example of what often happens to the working space around panelboards and switchboards — it gets stolen by people who use it as storage space. I guess if you’re not an electrician, you simply may not know the rules.

Section 110.26(B) makes a very clear and concise statement that working space shall not be used for storage. Section 110.26 requires access be maintained to permit safe operation and maintenance of the equipment. The specific working space dimensions are as follows: Table 110.26(A)(1) requires a minimum of 3 ft of working space depth in front of this panelboard. In reality, 3½ ft or even 4 ft of depth may be needed, depending on the conditions as described in the Table. A minimum working space width of 30 in. in front of the panelboard is required by 110.26(A)(2). The working space must be clear and extend from the floor to a minimum height of 6½ ft as required by 110.26(A)(3).

In addition, 240.24(D) prohibits overcurrent devices from being located near easily ignitable material, such as clothing, paper, cardboard etc.

Timberrrrrr!

Be careful where you stand. This electrical service is ready to fall off the house because every PVC clip is broken. The damaging rays of the sun have caused serious degradation to the nonmetallic clips used to secure this vertical pipe. These clips are now so brittle they would crumble in your hands.

Section 300.6(C)(1) requires nonmetallic equipment such as clips, cables, pipes, boxes, couplings, and elbows to be listed or identified as sunlight resistant — where exposed to sunlight. It’s obvious the clips used for this installation were not sunlight resistant, which is clearly depicted in the close-up photo.

These clips were installed in accordance with 352.30 to allow movement of the PVC due to thermal expansion and contraction. The length change of PVC can be quite considerable when exposed to extreme temperature changes. According to 352.44, expansion fittings would be needed where the length change would be
¼ in. or greater for a straight run between boxes, cabinets, or other securely mounted items. Although the PVC conduit is constructed of sunlight-resistant material — according to 352.100, the clips were apparently not made of the same material.

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.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.