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 2014 NEC.
Hint: You light up my life.
Tell Them What They Have Won...
Using the 2014 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries TVL508 Low Profile TV BOX. 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.
September Winners
Our winners this month were: Bill Vandertie, an electrical services manager for Wisconsin Public Service in Green Bay, Wis.; Jon Rowe, an instructor at Inland Empire Electrical Training Center, San Bernardino, Calif.; and Neil Self, owner of Southern Plains Electric, Inc., Lawton, Okla. Each one of them was able to correctly identify the Code violations with this floor box installation. Section 314.27(B) of the 2014 NEC requires boxes specifically listed for this application to be used for receptacles installed in the floor. As per Sec. 110.3(B), equipment must be installed in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. One may also make the argument that the faceup position of these receptacles violates the rules of Sec. 406.5(E) if the floor is considered a work surface. Receptacles installed faceup in seating areas now similarly require listed floor boxes, listed countertop boxes, or listed furniture assemblies to be used. The broken prongs still visible in the uppermost receptacle are an indication that these receptacles may be exposed to some physical damage as well. These exposed energized blades could pose a real shock and fire hazard. Using the correct type of boxes and covers may help prevent damage to the cord caps and receptacles.
