Ecmweb 4640 103ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4640 103ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4640 103ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4640 103ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4640 103ecmwwhpic1

What’s Wrong Here? March 2011

March 24, 2011
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

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

Hint: This is what you call an inside-out installation.

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 2008 NEC, correctly identify the Code 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.)

JANUARY WINNERS

Our three winners this month include: Michael Dillon, a master electrician with RDI Mechanical in Houston; Greg Iannacone, an electrician with IBEW Local 103 in Boston; and Carl Eckhold, an electrician with Valley Electric Co. in Monmouth, Ore. These guys all pointed out many violations with this unusual installation. Here are a few to consider when reviewing this photo.

  • The LB is inaccessible and has no cover — violates 314.29.
  • The nipple used to connect the LB to the disconnect enclosure has no protective bushing — violates 300.4(G).
  • The load side conductors are of different type and size (C phase is a single conductor, and A and B phases are paralleled conductors) — violates 310.4(B).
  • If terminal lugs are not rated for two conductors, then this would be a violation of 110.14(A).
  • If the paralleled conductors on the line side are smaller than 1/0, then this would be a violation of 310.10(H)(1).
  • If the load side conductors are a branch circuit feeding equipment, then the unidentified ungrounded conductor on load side violates 210.5(C).
  • Grounded conductors must meet the identification requirements noted in 200.6.
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.

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