Ecmweb 4852 408ecm15pic1
Ecmweb 4852 408ecm15pic1
Ecmweb 4852 408ecm15pic1
Ecmweb 4852 408ecm15pic1
Ecmweb 4852 408ecm15pic1

What's Wrong Here?

Aug. 1, 2004
Hint: Is this a hallway luminaire or a receptacle in disguise?

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.

Find the Answer

Kristian M. Koellner, senior engineer, system protection, SRP, Phoenix, submitted this response to the photo in the August issue. “No unnecessary splices or taps are allowed within or on a luminaire (fixture) per 410.28(D), and wiring on or within fixtures must be neatly arranged and cannot be exposed to physical damage per 410.22. Also, excess wiring must be avoided. This wiring method is not listed to be used in this manner.”

Dan Naugle, P.E., engineering manager, Boeing, Moore, Okla., submitted this comment. “As is almost always a given with your examples, this installation violates 110.12 workmanship criteria. In addition, this particular installation appears to violate 334.15(A) and (B) and 334.30 regarding the installation of Type NM cable; 406.4 regarding receptacle mounting; and 410.22 regarding protection of wiring on or within fixtures.”

Todd Volkmeier, P.E., electrical engineer, Advantage Point Group, St. Paul, Minn., cited the following violations:

  • “410.28(D) — No unnecessary splices or taps can be made within or on a luminaire.”

  • “410.22 — The cable shown may not be rated for the high temperatures found in a light fixture.”

  • “406.4 — Receptacles must be mounted in boxes and securely fastened in place.”

  • “406.3.A — Receptacles shall be of the grounding type.”

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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