Ecmweb 26209 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1119 Pr
Ecmweb 26209 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1119 Pr
Ecmweb 26209 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1119 Pr
Ecmweb 26209 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1119 Pr
Ecmweb 26209 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1119 Pr

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: There’s an Error of Omission

Nov. 18, 2019
What’s Wrong Here? Hint: There’s an Error of Omission

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. 

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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