Ecmweb 4735 Codewatchweb2 21
Ecmweb 4735 Codewatchweb2 21
Ecmweb 4735 Codewatchweb2 21
Ecmweb 4735 Codewatchweb2 21
Ecmweb 4735 Codewatchweb2 21

What's Wrong Here?

Feb. 21, 2008
Hint: Strange supports

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.

I found this luminaire on Newbury street in Boston. It’s quite obvious that improper methods and materials were used to support it on a box exposed to the outside elements. The raceway feeding this luminaire was rusted away, which left an installation waiting to become an accident.

Find the Answer

The Code includes many rules that would prohibit this type of sub-standard installation. For instance, see Art. 410 Luminaires, Lampholders, and Lamps. In addition, we can reference the requirements noted in 110.12, which states “Electrical equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. FPN: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA 1-2006, Standard Practices for Good Workmanship in Electrical Contracting, and other ANSI-approved installation standards.”

As per 110.12(B), “Internal parts of electrical equipment, including bus bars, wiring terminals, insulators, and other surfaces, shall not be damaged or contaminated by foreign materials such as paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues. There shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment such as parts that are broken; bent; cut; or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating.”

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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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