Ecmweb 5255 Nov Wwh
Ecmweb 5255 Nov Wwh
Ecmweb 5255 Nov Wwh
Ecmweb 5255 Nov Wwh
Ecmweb 5255 Nov Wwh

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Hammer Time

Nov. 9, 2012
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn’t identify? Here’s your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else’s work from the safety of your living room or office. Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2011 NEC.

Hint: Hammer time

Tell Them What They’ve Won...’

Using the 2011 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win something to put in your tool­box. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win. Winners will receive a fluorescent lighting tester from Milwaukee Tool, valued at $199. The product allows complete lamp, ballast, and pin testing, before or after install, without dismantling fixtures.

(Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of tools.)

September Winners

Our winners this month include: Ken Wilcox, project manager, electrical maintenance, MAHLE Engine Components USA, Inc., Morristown, Tenn.; Brian E. Glennon, senior consultant, GLENCO, Inc., North Quincy, Mass.; and Dave Roach, electrical engineer, CD Controls, LLC, Lavonia, Ga. They all correctly identified some violations in this breaker box.

The use of white insulation for other than a grounded conductor on circuits of 50V or more is permitted in accordance with 200.7(C)(1) only if part of a cable assembly where “the insulation has been permanently reidentified by marking tape, painting, or other effective means at its termination and at each location where the conductor is visible and accessible to indicate its use as an ungrounded conductor.” In addition, 200.7(C)(2) also permits a flexible cord, having one conductor identified by a white or gray outer finish or three continuous white stripes, that is used for connecting an appliance or equipment permitted by 400.7. However, this installation is neither a cable nor a cord. It’s EMT! White wires can never be used as ungrounded conductors for this installation, even if they were re-identified (with red or black tape or paint, for example).

In addition, the sheet metal screw serving the dual purpose of securing the enclosure to the wall and for connecting the equipment grounding conductor to the enclosure is a violation of 250.8(A).

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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