Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2013 04 4 4 13 Ww Hweb
Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2013 04 4 4 13 Ww Hweb
Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2013 04 4 4 13 Ww Hweb
Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2013 04 4 4 13 Ww Hweb
Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2013 04 4 4 13 Ww Hweb

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Peek-a-Boo

April 4, 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: Peek-a-boo

Find the Answer

Two boxes. One hole. Zero supports. That's what I found inside this wall opening. Now that just doesn't add up to a good installation.

The 4-in.-sq box and the handy box with the receptacle installed in it are simply floating around inside this hole, with absolutely no means of secure support. This is a clear violation of Sec. 314.23 of the 2011 NEC. Enclosures such as these must be supported.

There are several provisions in 314.23(A) through (H) that provide specific requirements for securing and supporting boxes.

  • 314.23(A) requires surface mounted boxes to be rigidly and securely fastened.
  • 314.23(B) requires rigid support from a structural member or brace.
  • 314.23(C) requires rigid support for boxes mounted in finished surfaces.
  • 314.23(D) requires boxes to be securely mounted to suspended ceiling components.
  • 314.23(E) and (F) permit threaded raceways to support boxes 100 in3 or less.
  • 314.23(G) permits boxes to be securely embedded in concrete
  • 314.23(H) permits boxes to be supported on a cord pendant.

As you can see, there are no provisions that allow boxes to simply float around inside of a wall opening.

One other item to note is the lack of support for the NM cable connected to the handy box. In accordance with 334.30, NM cable is required to be supported and secured within 12 in. from each outlet box.

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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