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 2020 NEC.
Hint: Find the “key” to success.
December Winners
Our two winners this month were Michael Gindt, a systems engineer in Lodi, Wis., and Daniel Kane, an electrical engineer, tester, and installer in Medway, Mass. Both men knew that this box was not properly supported.
Sections 314.23(A) through (H) allow several options for supporting boxes. None of those options include using PVC conduit for supporting a box. Section 352.12(B) similarly prohibits PVC conduit from supporting luminaires or any other enclosures or equipment, except a conduit body sized the same as the raceway. Sinking a pressure-treated 4-in. × 4-in. post and securing the box to that post is one possible way to improve this installation and help make it Code compliant. Of course, there are many other possible solutions, too. Another issue I want to point out is that Sec. 406.9(B)(1) requires 15A and 20A, 125V through 250V nonlocking receptacles installed in wet locations to be listed and identified as weather-resistant (WR) type. This receptacle does not bear any WR markings. Section 406.9(B)(1) also requires outlet box hoods to be listed and identified as “extra-duty” type. This cover has markings to indicate it is an extra-duty type, so at least the installer got one thing right.
‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’
Using the 2020 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.