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What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Parking Lot Panelboard Problems

Aug. 3, 2017
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Parking lot panelboard problems

Scroll Down to See the Answer

I spotted this panelboard while driving my car into a local parking lot. The panelboard is certainly not very weatherproof with the cover wide open and flapping in the breeze.

This open cover defeats the requirements outlined in Sec. 312.2, which states that surface-type enclosures in wet locations must be placed or equipped to prevent water and moisture from entering and accumulating in the cabinet. Enclosures in wet locations are required to be weatherproof. That won’t happen with the cover wide open.

In addition, a couple of circuit breaker blanks are missing from the internal cover, exposing energized bus bars and breaker terminals. This is a violation of Sec. 408.7, which requires these unused openings to be closed up using identified closures or other approved means. The missing breaker blanks could also be considered a violation of Sec. 110.27 because the live parts are exposed and are no longer effectively guarded against accidental contact. Small fingers like those of a child could easily reach inside the panelboard and receive a dangerous shock.

On another note, the rusted metal raceways coming up out of the ground may be in need of some additional approved corrosion protection as specified in Sec. 300.6(A)(3).

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.

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