What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: A Crusty, Rusty Raceway

Nov. 23, 2022

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: A crusty, rusty raceway

Corrosion has certainly taken hold of this raceway and its support hardware. Section 300.6 requires raceways, supports, and support hardware to be made of materials suitable for the environment where they are installed. This environment seems to be taking a toll on the metal components used for this installation. For ferrous metals, Sec. 300.6(A) requires raceways, supports, and support hardware to be protected against corrosion by an approved corrosion-resistant coating. Galvanized metal can often be used as a means of corrosion protection, but sometimes even galvanization may not be enough. In these instances, the use of stainless steel, or nonmetallic materials may be a better choice for protection against corrosion. Given more time, the corrosion happening here will eventually require the replacement of this raceway and supports.

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.