Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2015 02 4 19 15 Ww Hweb
Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2015 02 4 19 15 Ww Hweb
Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2015 02 4 19 15 Ww Hweb
Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2015 02 4 19 15 Ww Hweb
Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2015 02 4 19 15 Ww Hweb

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Hot and Steamy

April 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.

Hint: Hot and steamy

Find the Answer

It’s going to be a really tight squeeze for any electricians that may need to access this panelboard, which is crammed behind a steam pipe and a gas pipe. Can you imagine trying to remove this panel cover in order to take some voltage readings? That would really put you in a dangerous situation.

This is a violation of the clear working spaces required by Sec. 110.26. This is an all too common problem for electricians who are now exposed to increased risk of injury due to the encroachment of foreign systems into the work space. The working space in front of this panelboard needs to be kept clear for at least 3 ft deep, 30 in. wide, and 6½ ft high, in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 110.26(A)(1) through (3).

This panelboard has less than 1 ft of clearance where the steam pipe is located. Now imagine a worst-case scenario involving that gas pipe and an electrical explosion. It’s enough to give me nightmares!

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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