Ecmweb 5845 Code Watch 1a110713wwhwebpromo
Ecmweb 5845 Code Watch 1a110713wwhwebpromo
Ecmweb 5845 Code Watch 1a110713wwhwebpromo
Ecmweb 5845 Code Watch 1a110713wwhwebpromo
Ecmweb 5845 Code Watch 1a110713wwhwebpromo

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: This Isn't Tree Art

Nov. 7, 2013
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. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: Not tree art

Find the Answer

The Exception in 590.4(C) of the 2011 NEC permits the use of single insulated conductors for temporary decorative lighting displays for a period of 90 days. However, it also requires the wiring to be supported on insulators, and the wiring must not be subject to physical damage. These overhead wires were just wrapped around the tree and tied into a knot! Without the use of strain relief devices, the wires could easily be damaged by tree movement during a windy day.

The general rule in 590.4(J) prohibits vegetation from supporting overhead branch circuit wires, but the Exception does permit trees to be used as support if the wiring is arranged with some type of strain relief equipment and in such a way to avoid damage to the wires from tree movement. The box also appears to simply be resting on the branch without being secured to anything. Because 590.2(A) requires all other Code rules to be applied to temporary wiring, this unsecured box is a violation of 314.23, which generally requires boxes to be rigidly secured. Article 590 does not change this requirement.

In addition, the NM connector used to secure the conductors to the box is certainly not suitable for this wet location and could easily allow moisture and water to enter this enclosure and cause damage and increase the risk of shock.

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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