Ecmweb 4978 204ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4978 204ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4978 204ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4978 204ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 4978 204ecmwwhpic1

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Rest in Peace

April 1, 2012
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

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? 

Hint: Rest in peace

Find the Answer

FEBRUARY WINNERS

Our three winners this month were: Jorge Ramos, a journeyman electrician from El Paso, Texas; Jeff Nelson, owner of Nelson Electric in South Hampden, Maine; and Drew Howard, P.E., a senior electrical engineer with Emprise Corp. in Kennesaw, Ga. They all correctly identified the key violation associated with this window display.

Chain supported luminaires used in show windows shall be permitted to be externally wired in accordance with Exception No. 2 of Sec. 400.11. However, the cord-connected arrangement of boxes and lampholders shown in this photo is not designed or listed to be used in this manner. As such, this particular installation violates NEC requirements.

The rules for the permitted use of flexible cords and cables can be found in 400.7(A), items (1) through (10):

  1. Pendants
  2. Wiring of luminaires
  3. Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobile signs, or appliances
  4. Elevator cables
  5. Wiring of cranes and hoists
  6. Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequent interchange
  7. Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration
  8. Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair, and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection
  9. Connection of moving parts
  10. Where specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code.
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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