What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Broken Pipe Dream

July 9, 2015

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.

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Hint: Broken pipe dream

Find the Answer

This is an example of what happens when you try to use PVC pipes as the only means to support a box. Inevitably, the pipes will break, and the box will end up just flopping around. This now leaves the cables exposed and susceptible to physical damage. Damaged cables can greatly increase the shock hazard level.

Section 352.12(B) prohibits PVC pipe from being used to support luminaires or equipment other than conduit bodies as described in Sec. 352.10(H). Boxes are not conduit bodies and cannot be supported by the PVC pipe.

Section 314.23(E) permits rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) to be used as a means of support for enclosures not greater than 100 cu. in. where two conduits are threaded wrenchtight into the enclosure and the conduits are supported within 3 ft of the enclosure, or within 18 in. of the enclosure where all the pipes enter the enclosure on the same side.

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.