Ecmweb 6132 3 6 14whatswrongherewaterpumppromo
Ecmweb 6132 3 6 14whatswrongherewaterpumppromo
Ecmweb 6132 3 6 14whatswrongherewaterpumppromo
Ecmweb 6132 3 6 14whatswrongherewaterpumppromo
Ecmweb 6132 3 6 14whatswrongherewaterpumppromo

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: A Stretch to Flex

March 6, 2014
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: A stretch to flex

Find the Answer

The choice of wiring methods used for this swimming pool water pump motor leads me to believe the installer did not bother to read Sec. 680.21(A) of the NEC.

Branch circuits for pool motors must be installed using rigid metal conduit (RMC), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), polyvinyl chloride conduit (PVC), reinforced thermosetting resin conduit (RTRC), or metal-clad (MC) cable listed for swimming pool use, as noted in 680.21(A)(1). On or within dwellings, Sec. 680.21(A)(2) permits EMT. Where flexibility is needed at the motor, 680.21(A)(3) permits the use of liquidtight flexible metallic conduit (LFMC) or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit (LFNC). It does not, however, permit the use of flexible metal conduit (FMC) as was used for this installation.

Inside a dwelling unit or its accessory building, 680.21(A)(4) permits any recognized Chapter 3 wiring method, including FMC. However, this installation was made at a community pool. Therefore, the use of FMC in this particular application is a violation. As an alternative, the installer could have used a cord and plug connection in accordance with 680.21(A)(5).

I would also like to point out the excellent drainage provided in the floor, visible in the uper left of this photo. Section 680.11 requires you to provide enough drainage for water accumulation during normal operation and maintenance.

The bonding foot lug on the motor appears as though it has been torn off the motor. This is a violation of 680.26(B)(6), which requires the motor to be bonded to all of the other components mentioned in 680.26(B)(1) through (B)(7).

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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