Ecmweb 18065 2 22 18wwhlarge
Ecmweb 18065 2 22 18wwhlarge
Ecmweb 18065 2 22 18wwhlarge
Ecmweb 18065 2 22 18wwhlarge
Ecmweb 18065 2 22 18wwhlarge

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Raceway Redo

Feb. 22, 2018
Code violation | improper raceway installation

Hint: Raceway redo

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These installers may need to re-read the rules for raceway installations. Although making a surface extension of wiring from a cover is permitted by the exception in Sec. 314.22 of the 2017 NEC, this section also requires the use of flexible wiring methods of sufficient length to be used so the cover can still be removed to access the interior of the box. This installer used EMT as his surface extension from the round box cover. How can we access the wiring inside the box now? We would need to remove or loosen some clips and connectors to pull the raceway out of our way. Flexible wiring would allow us to remove the cover much more easily — and do so without removing clips, couplings, or connectors.

The square box has some problems too, the most noticeable of which is the lack of proper supports. Section 358.12(2) prohibits EMT from being used to support luminaires or other equipment, except conduit bodies. The 4-in. square box is not a conduit body, and cannot be supported by EMT. Section 314.23 has many requirements for properly supporting boxes, but none of those rules permit the use of EMT for the support of boxes.

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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