Ecmweb 20675 Nec Whats Wrong Here July 2018 Pr 1
Ecmweb 20675 Nec Whats Wrong Here July 2018 Pr 1
Ecmweb 20675 Nec Whats Wrong Here July 2018 Pr 1
Ecmweb 20675 Nec Whats Wrong Here July 2018 Pr 1
Ecmweb 20675 Nec Whats Wrong Here July 2018 Pr 1

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Stretched to the Limit

July 17, 2018
NEC Code Violations What's Wrong with this Installation?

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 specific Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2017 NEC.

Hint: Stretched to the limit

May Winners

Our three contest winners this month were: Barney O’Donnell with HSI Security Systems, Inc., Portland, Ore.; Karl Crossman, a reader from Waxhaw, N.C.; and George Barnette, a controls engineer with Stegner Controls, Auburn Hills, Mich. They were all able to correctly identify some of the Code violations found in this photo.

The flexible duct, the plumbing drain, and the receptacles installed in this location make it appear as though the space in front of the panelboard is going to be used for laundry equipment. Placing laundry equipment directly in front of this electrical panel would be a violation of Sec. 240.24(A) because the overcurrent devices would no longer be readily accessible. Even without the washer and dryer installed, the white PVC piping installed as part of a radon mitigation system is located directly in the working space required by Sec. 110.26(A) for the front of the panel. Leaning over or straddling those PVC pipes while working in the panelboard increases the chances of worker injuries due to being off-balance or working in awkward positions. In addition, the water connections located directly below the panel violate the dedicated space requirements of Sec. 110.26(E). I can’t be sure if the 125V receptacle below the panel has GFCI protection as required by Sec. 210.8(A)(5).

‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’

Using the 2017 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries FLBT4400SS countertop box kit, which includes a stainless steel trap door cover and a 20A decorator-style, tamper-resistant receptacle. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.