Ecmweb 4645 Cw1web
Ecmweb 4645 Cw1web
Ecmweb 4645 Cw1web
Ecmweb 4645 Cw1web
Ecmweb 4645 Cw1web

Whats Wrong Here?

Feb. 3, 2011
Hint: Rain-cooled service for eight

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, 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.

Find the Answer

It sure looks like these rusty enclosures and equipment were never designed to be installed in a wet location. In addition, take note of how far the mounting board has slipped down from its original mounting position. The original "dog house" has also disappeared because it was exposed to the elements. It's obvious this equipment is showing signs of corrosion and lack of proper maintenance.

Article 100 features the following definition for Location, Wet: "Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to weather." It also features the following definition for Rainproof: "Constructed, protected, or treated so as to prevent rain from interfering with the successful operation of the apparatus under specified test conditions."

See Table 110.28 for the selection of the proper type of enclosure to be installed outdoors. Section 300.6 also provides guidance on the protection of metal equipment against corrosion and deterioration. Sections 314.40(A) and 314.72(A) provide the construction specifications for corrosion-resistant metal boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings. Section 358.10(B) outlines the corrosion protection requirements when installing electrical metallic tubing.

On a final note, the trash bin also violates working space rules as outlined in 110.26. This could have also caused some damage to the equipment as well.

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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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