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: Hitching a ride
Find the Answer
This installer cheated and took the easy way out. Instead of installing these NM cables on their own supports or running boards, they simply used cable ties and secured the NM cables directly to the outside of this EMT pipe, which was “conveniently” running in the same direction.
Section 300.11(B) permits raceways to be used for the support of cables or other raceways or equipment only:
1) where the raceway is identified as a means of support, or
2) for support of Class 2 control circuits where the raceway contains power conductors for equipment controlled by those Class 2 circuits, or
3) where used to support boxes or conduit bodies in accordance with Sec. 314.23 or luminaires in accordance with Sec. 410.36(E).
None of that is applicable to this installation.
Although it’s not visible in the photo, this installation is right next to the basement stairway. One could also argue that these cables are exposed to physical damage, which would require them to be protected by being installed in RMC, EMT, Schedule 80 PVC or RTRC-XW, or some other approved means.
