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: There’s an error of omission.
September Winners
Our two winners this month were: Maksym Kolodii, an EC&M reader from Northbrook, Ill.; and Don Plass, CFCO, MCP, chief building official for HR Green, McHenry, Ill. They both knew that suspended ceilings can sometimes contain hidden violations such as these power supply cords.
The power supply cords are supplying power to a ceiling-mounted projector and its associated equipment, which are located a few ceiling tiles away from these receptacles. Installing receptacles above a suspended ceiling is not prohibited by the NEC. However, leaving power supply cords permanently plugged in and hidden above the suspended ceiling is a violation of Sec. 400.12(5). This rule prohibits flexible cables, flexible cord sets, and power supply cords from being concealed in walls, floors, or ceilings — and also prohibits them from being located above a suspended or dropped ceiling. The exception for Sec. 400.12(5) permits flexible cables and cords to be installed above this suspended ceiling where they are installed in an enclosure specifically designed to be installed in plenum-type suspended ceilings, as permitted by Sec. 300.22(C)(3).
‘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.