Ecmweb 19340 Code Watch 2 770 1
Ecmweb 19340 Code Watch 2 770 1
Ecmweb 19340 Code Watch 2 770 1
Ecmweb 19340 Code Watch 2 770 1
Ecmweb 19340 Code Watch 2 770 1

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Sun- and Water-Damaged Disaster

May 17, 2018
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: sun- and water-damaged disaster

Scroll down to see the answer

This installer ignored lots of rules including Sec. 300.3(A), which requires single conductors to be used only when installed in a Chapter 3 wiring method. Section 300.11(D) prohibits cables from being used as a means of support for other cables, raceways or non-electric equipment. Attaching these single conductors to the SE cable on the left violates the intent of that Section. Making splices for SE cable without being installed in an enclosure is a violation of Sec. 300.15. The wire connectors are neither sunlight resistant as required by Sec. 300.6(C)(1) nor are they identified for use in the outdoor wet location as required by Sec. 110.11. The single insulated conductors are also required to be a type listed for use in wet locations as specified in Sec. 310.10(C). Since these conductors are exposed to the sun they must also be listed as being sunlight resistant or covered with tape or sleeves that are listed as being sunlight resistant. If this is a temporary installation, all the rules for permanent wiring installations must be followed as specified in Sec. 590.2(A) unless Art. 590 allows alternatives. None of the rules I have mentioned here are modified by Art. 590 for this installation.

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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