Ecmweb 4633 106ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4633 106ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4633 106ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4633 106ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4633 106ecmwwhpic1

What’s Wrong Here? June 2011

June 22, 2011
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

Hint: Heat zone

Find the Answer

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. Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’

Using the 2011 NEC, correctly identify the Code sections that show violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win something to put in your tool­box. E-mail your response to [email protected], and we’ll select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Winners will receive a set of insulated hand tools from Ideal Industries, Inc., valued at more than $125.* The set includes 9.25-in. insulated side-cutting pliers, 10-in. insulated tongue-and-groove pliers, and a 0.25-in. 3 6-in. insulated screwdriver. (* Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of tools.)

APRIL WINNERS

Our two winners this month are Tom Mathews, senior engineer with Robinson Engineering in Frankfort, Ill., and Mickey Culver with Mike’s Electric in Beaverton, Ore. Here’s a short recap of the violations they noted with this battered and bruised box.

The most obvious violation is that this box is not designed to be installed in damp or wet locations. As per 300.6, boxes shall be of materials suitable for the environment in which they are to be installed. Ferrous metal boxes shall be suitably protected against corrosion inside and outside. As noted in 314.15, “In damp or wet locations, boxes shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture from entering or accumulating within the box, conduit body, or fittings. Boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings installed in wet locations shall be listed for use in wet locations.” In addition, the cover is not suitable for use in this environment [314.28(C)].

We can also cite some violations as related to the receptacles used here. Receptacles installed in wet locations must comply with the requirements of 406.9(B), which in part states, “15- and 20A, 125- and 250V receptacles installed in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weather-proof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.” Although this receptacle may be served from a GFI breaker, if it isn’t, then it must meet the requirements of 210.8(B)(4).

As for the physical protection of this box, one might also cite a violation of 110.27(B).

About the Author

Joe Tedesco

Tedesco served the industry in many roles during his career. He was a director, senior electrical code instructor for National Technology Transfer, Inc. and American Trainco, Inc.. He was also a codes, standards and seminar specialist for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors and an electrical field service specialist for the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass. He ran his own business as an NEC consultant and is a Massachusetts licensed master electrician and journeyman electrician and certified electrical inspector (one and two family 2A; General 2B, and Plan Review, 2C). Tedesco also wrote articles for CEE News and EC&M (Code Violations Illustrated and What's Wrong Here?) for more than 15 years and helped launched the Moving Violations video series.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.