Hint: Sidewalk silliness
I spotted this installation while on vacation in a southeastern state. Those boxes installed on the end of the liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit (LFNC) contain receptacles. I am speculating these boxes were once secured to this tree, but I cannot be 100% sure that’s true. Using trees to support this type of wiring and equipment is not specifically prohibited by the Code. In fact, Sec. 410.36(G) specifically permits using trees to support outdoor luminaires and associated equipment. Section 230.10 does prohibit using trees to support service equipment or overhead service conductors. The installation as I found it violates the requirements in Sec. 314.23 for securing and supporting boxes. One or more of the support methods specified in Secs. 314.23(A) through (H) shall be used. None of those methods were used here. The LFNC is certainly subject to physical damage and should probably not be used as it is prohibited by Sec. 356.12(1). The LFNC may not comply with the securing and supporting requirements described in Sec. 356.30 either. Lastly, the type of receptacle covers used on the boxes do not comply the Sec. 406.9(B)(1).
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.