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Code Clusters 3: Lack of Working Space and Missing Knockouts

Feb. 4, 2014

Code Clusters is a fond look back at some of the most interesting and outlandish Code violations published in the pages of EC&M magazine over the past 15 years — the item below is the last in a series of 10. Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear your feedback! Post your thoughts in the box below. All references based on the 1999 edition of the NEC.

Joe Tedesco

Lack of Working Space and Missing Knockouts

All references based on the 1999 edition of the NEC.

Someone mounted this meter socket enclosure and unused disconnecting means on the pole because the working clearances required in the direction of access to the equipment in between the pole and the equipment (and the other meter socket enclosures installed above the wireway) would not comply with Table 110-26. The missing knockout violates NEC rules as well. Section 373-4 requires that any unused openings in a meter socket enclosure shall be effectively closed with “protection substantially equivalent” to that of the meter socket enclosure. Section 373-2(a) requires that meter socket enclosures installed in wet locations shall be weatherproof. I’m not sure closing up this hole with protection substantially equivalent would make the equipment weatherproof. Weatherproof is defined as: “constructed or protected so that exposure to the weather will not interfere with successful operation.”

We hope you enjoyed one last trip down Memory Lane!