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 2017 NEC.
Hint: Bathroom basics
February Winners
Our three winners this month were: Paul Hughes, residential electrical inspector from the City of Charles City, Iowa; Kevin Ameele, P.E., senior project engineer for CHI Engineering Services, an NV5 Co. in Portsmouth, N.H.; and John Loesch, a reader from Moorestown, N.J. Each one of these readers knew there were problems with the light fixture installed above the payphone booth.
Section 410.10(A) requires luminaires installed in damp or wet locations to be installed in a manner such that water will not enter or accumulate in any wiring compartments, lampholders, or other electrical parts. This fixture appears to be missing part of the enclosure or globe that would normally enclose the lampholder. The missing parts allow rain and snow to directly contact the hot lamp, which could shatter from the sudden temperature change and possibly cause injury to payphone users. Moisture can easily enter and accumulate in the lampholder and box, causing real problems with splices or terminations. The 4-in. octagonal box supporting the lampholder is not weatherproof and violates the requirements of Sec. 314.15, which specifies boxes installed in wet locations must be listed for use in wet locations.
‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’
Using the 2017 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries FLBT4400SS countertop box kit, which includes a stainless steel trap door cover and a 20A decorator-style, tamper-resistant receptacle. 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.