Ecmweb 8014 Nec Whats Wrong Here Jan 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8014 Nec Whats Wrong Here Jan 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8014 Nec Whats Wrong Here Jan 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8014 Nec Whats Wrong Here Jan 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8014 Nec Whats Wrong Here Jan 2016 Pr

What's Wrong Here? Hint: This wood be a Code violation…

Jan. 22, 2016
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. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: This wood be a Code violation…

November Winners

Congratulations to our two winners this month: Tracy W. Saunders, a master electrician/project manager with HiMEC Mechanical of Rochester, Minn., and Ryan F. Quade, a process electrical engineer with 3M Engineering in St. Paul, Minn. They were both able to identify at least one of the many problems in this installation.

One of the violations I see in this installation is a lack of workspace. Section 110.26(A)(3) requires workspace in front of this equipment to be clear from the grade to a height of at least 6½ ft — or the height of the equipment if higher. While most of the drain pipe does not violate this rule, the drain to the left side of the electrical equipment is precariously close to encroaching upon the required working space. Section 110.26(E)(2)(b) requires the space equal to the depth and width of the equipment extending from grade to 6 ft above the equipment to be dedicated to the electrical installation. No foreign piping systems are permitted in this zone.

There’s another violation to note. As required by Sec. 230.27, the point of attachment for the service shall be designed and identified for the attachment of service conductors, but not for the attachment of drain pipes. We could also say attaching the drain pipe here violates Sec. 110.3(B) for the same reason.

In addition, to the right of the service equipment, you can see several unsupported PVC pipes. This arrangement violates the requirements outlined in Sec. 352.30(B).

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.

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