What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Straight as an Arrow

Nov. 10, 2022

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Straight as an arrow

Was this installer trying to prove that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line? He may have proved that point, but in doing so he left us with some violations to talk about. Where MC cable is run exposed, Sec. 330.15 requires the cable to closely follow the building surface or running boards. Neither of those things is happening here. Instead, the installer ran the cable as straight as an arrow through the air. I would also say running MC cable directly through a closet floor without any type of protection against physical damage is a violation of Sec. 330.12(1). I’m not so sure the securing and supporting of this MC cable comply with the requirements of Sec. 330.30 either. There seems to be a lot of strain on the cable connector at the bottom of the box where the MC is connected.

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.