Ecmweb 8767 2 2 17wwhpromo
Ecmweb 8767 2 2 17wwhpromo
Ecmweb 8767 2 2 17wwhpromo
Ecmweb 8767 2 2 17wwhpromo
Ecmweb 8767 2 2 17wwhpromo

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Let me vent my frustration.

Feb. 2, 2017
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

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: Let me vent my frustration.

Find the Answer

How in the world are we supposed to get to the panelboard and its circuit breakers, which are buried behind this water heater and vent pipe? The answer quite simply is, we can’t — at least not without burning our face and arms on the hot vent pipe or getting tangled in the mess of water pipes that blocking our access. This is not only a nuisance, but it could be a disaster if we need to reach those breakers in an emergency situation.

Section 240.24(A) of the NEC states in part, “circuit breakers shall be readily accessible.” By definition in Art. 100, readily accessible means “capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under, to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.” I think you would agree that these circuit breakers do not fall under that definition. The requirements of Sec. 110.26 for establishing and maintaining a clear working space have also been severely violated.

Note: Thanks to David Trapp for sharing this crazy photo with us.

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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