Ecmweb 5034 201ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 5034 201ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 5034 201ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 5034 201ecmwwhpic1
Ecmweb 5034 201ecmwwhpic1

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Unapproved Use of Electrical Tape

Jan. 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: Would you consider this an approved use of electrical tape?

Find the Answer

NOVEMBER WINNERS

We had three winners this month: Anuj Vyas, P.E., electrical engineer, Power Distribution Group, Collider-Accelerator Department, Brookhaven National Lab, Upton, N.Y.; Steven G. Rankin, P.E., senior electrical engineer, CB&I, Tyler, Texas; and Chris Apicella, industrial maintenance student, Tennessee Technology Center, Hillsboro, Tenn. They all picked up on the improper bonding jumper connection rather quickly. Here’s what these three had to say:

As you can see in the photograph, the bonding jumper is wrapped around the conduit. According to the requirements of 250.102(E)(2), if installed on the outside of a raceway or enclosure, “the length of the bonding jumper or conductor, or equipment bonding jumper shall not exceed 1.8 m (6 ft) and shall be routed with the raceway or enclosure.” With no measurements in the photo, how do we know the length of the bonding jumper has not exceeded the 6-ft limitation?

It’s also important to note that a bonding jumper should be the same length as the raceway so the impedance increase is insignificant.

I see this type of installation all the time out in the field and am glad someone is addressing it.

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.

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...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

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.