Ecmweb 24462 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes 0419 Pr
Ecmweb 24462 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes 0419 Pr
Ecmweb 24462 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes 0419 Pr
Ecmweb 24462 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes 0419 Pr
Ecmweb 24462 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes 0419 Pr

Illustrated Catastrophes: The Great Divide

April 17, 2019
NEC Code Violations

All references are based on the 2017 edition of the NEC.

The Great Divide

This fantastic photo was shared by one of my electrician students who prefers to remain anonymous. In the words of this student, “This house had three panels in that alley that were divided by that drain. Also, if you notice on the left side, there was a breaker hanging out of the panel that was still attached to a wire.” There are lots of problems we need to discuss here.

The one jumping out at me is the white PVC drain pipe and storage items installed directly in the working space required by Sec. 110.26(A). How can something like this happen? These panelboards and overcurrent devices are nearly impossible to reach now. The missing panelboard cover creates a dangerous shock and fire hazard too. Section 110.27(A) requires the live parts in this panelboard to be guarded against accidental contact by being enclosed in a cabinet with the cover installed. Section 110.18 requires any arcing parts of electrical equipment, such as overcurrent devices, to be enclosed or separated and isolated from any combustible materials. In the words of my student, “This appears to be another happy homeowner renovation.” I agree with that assumption.

Soggy Cover Solution

We’d like to thank EC&M reader Matthew Burton of Comer, Ga., for sharing this great photo with us. Here’s what he had to say. “Russ, I found this in a parking lot where I was getting groceries. It is the base of a parking lot pole. Evidently, someone did not have a cover, so they improvised! I just had to send it to you.” I really appreciate it when our readers are passionate enough about the Code to share stories like this with me. It helps us educate all readers on what not to do. In this case, the installer should have never used cardboard to cover this gigantic handhole opening in the pole. The rain and weather have taken a toll on the cardboard. It is now soggy, wet, and falling apart. Section 410.30(B)(1) requires this handhole to be provided with a cover that is suitable for use in a wet location. Cardboard most certainly does not meet this requirement. Rain and moisture can now enter the pole and possibly cause damage to any splices or terminations that may be in there. The lack of a proper cover also increases the risk of shock because any energized wires are easier to contact.

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.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.