National Electrical Code

Illustrated Code Catastrophes: Section 110.26(E), Section 620.21(A)(3), and Section 300.15

June 22, 2012

More Code catastrophes uncovered in these faulty installations

Look Out Below!

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Section 110.26(E) requires that switchboards and panelboards be located in “dedicated spaces” and protected from damage. The space that extends directly above the switchboards to the structural ceiling or a height of 6 ft above the equipment (whichever is lower) is dedicated to the electrical installation. No foreign piping or leak protection apparatus can be located in this space. The drip pan makes it impossible for an electrician to install any pipes into the top of the switchboard. In addition, take note of where the drip pan drains. I guess the small switchboard gets sacrificed in order to save the big switchboard from any water damage.

Going Down?

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This photo was taken in an elevator machine room. Section 620.21(A)(3) does not permit the use of electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) as a wiring method in an elevator machine room. As you can see in the photo, the installer also creatively used flexible metal conduit (FMC) connectors on the ENT. This is a violation of Sec. 300.15, which requires connectors to be used only with the specific wiring methods for which they are designed and listed. Also in question is the equipment grounding conductor. If there is no equipment grounding conductor run inside the ENT, the fixed electric space heater is not bonded and grounded properly.

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.