All references are based on the 2017 edition of the NEC.

Holiday Hazard

This Christmas lighting display was quite a surprise. I discovered it on my way home from teaching class on a Tuesday night. While the gas station manager probably had good intentions, he clearly had no idea of the dangerous conditions he created by draping Christmas lights all over the gas pump island! Some of the light strings were swinging in the breeze and actually contacting the middle dispenser. Extension cords were strewn on the ground from the building to the island, and more cords ran from the island to the perimeter of the lot to illuminate rows of trees. In the photo, one of these orange extension cords is visible on the ground right in front of the pumps. Table 514.3(B)(1) describes the areas within 18 in. horizontally of these dispensers as Class 1, Division II. This Class 1, Division II location also includes the area 18 in. above grade level, extending 20 ft horizontally in all directions from the dispenser enclosures. Wiring and equipment installed in Class 1 locations must comply with Art. 501. These holiday lights and extension cords are not designed for use in hazardous locations. With no intention of being a “Grinch,” I felt compelled to notify the Fire Prevention office about this unsafe display. The lights were removed the following day.

Unclamped Cable Collection

Who needs cable connectors when the cables can simply be shoved into the panelboard cabinet? This is obviously not the correct way to terminate NM cables in a panelboard cabinet. Section 312.5(C) is very clear when stating “each cable shall be secured to the cabinet, cutout box, or meter socket enclosure.” There is an exception relieving this requirement for NM cables installed through sleeves entering the top of surface-mounted enclosures. However, the exception is not applicable for this installation. Similarly, Sec. 300.11(A) requires cables to be securely fastened in place. With no connectors used to secure these cables to this cabinet, we can say these cables are not securely fastened in place. Another violation here is the use of “tandem” or “twin” circuit breakers in this panelboard. This is a circuit-limiting, class CTL-type panelboard designed for only 12 circuits. Using circuit breakers and panelboards in a manner not consistent with their listing or labeling instructions is a violation of Sec. 110.3(B). For panelboards, Sec. 408.54 requires a design to prevent the installation of more overcurrent devices than that for which the panelboard is designed, rated, and listed. This could include notches on certain bus bars to accommodate only certain types of breakers.