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. Joe Tedesco, who has a knack for finding shoddy electrical work, did the dirty work and found this mess. Now it's your turn to identify the violation.
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Chuck Laroche, an operations manager for Brittania Electric, Inc. in North Fort Myers, Fla., was kind enough to share these photos with us. This is a “homeowner special” he found being used for a Christmas lighting display. This temporary branch circuit and receptacle are a clear violation of Art. 410 -- Luminaires (Lighting Fixtures), Lampholders, and Lamps.
410.1 states, “This article covers luminaires (lighting fixtures), lampholders, pendants, incandescent filament lamps, arc lamps, electric-discharge lamps, decorative lighting products, lighting accessories for temporary seasonal and holiday use, portable flexible lighting products, and the wiring and equipment forming part of such products and lighting installations.”
This contraption also violates several rules in Art. 406 -- Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (Caps).
