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: Fire sale
Find the Answer
I spotted this installation while visiting a store. Who needs boxes when you can simply make splices in free air and just wrap them with tape? Well that’s what this installer must have been asking himself.
The splices for this dangling NM cable were made without a box as required by Sec. 300.15. Even if this was a temporary installation as covered by Art. 590, a box would still be required. Section 590.4(G) permits temporary splices to be made without using a box only if the work was done at a construction site. This work was completed inside a store, which was not under construction. Therefore, the requirements of Sec. 590.4(G) are not applicable. Section 300.15 would still be applicable because 590.2(A) states that all other rules for permanent wiring shall apply to temporary wiring.
The lack of proper support for theses cables is another problem. Section 334.30 requires NM cable to be supported within 12 in. of boxes and also every 4½ ft. Section 320.30(B) requires the AC cable to be supported in the same manner. These cables were just draped across this sprinkler pipe and run throughout the store.