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.