Ecmweb 8793 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes Feb 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 8793 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes Feb 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 8793 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes Feb 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 8793 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes Feb 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 8793 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes Feb 2017 Pr

Illustrated Catastrophes: How in the World Does This Happen?

Feb. 14, 2017
More Code catastrophes uncovered and corrected in these faulty installations

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

How in the World Does This Happen?

Alan McGarry, an electrical project designer with AHA Consulting Engineers in Roswell, Ga., ran across this crazy installation and was kind enough to share it with us. This install has a lot of problems, but I’ll start with the missing panel cover. This missing cover increases the shock hazard because any energized parts could be more easily contacted. It generally violates the rules of Sec. 110.27(A). The next concern I have is the lack of grounding/bonding for the MC cable at the bottom left of the panel. This cable is just dangling there with no connection to the cabinet, which creates a violation of Sec. 300.10, since it is not mechanically secured and joined “so as to provide effective electrical continuity.” The next problem I notice relates to the handle ties used for the breakers on the left side of the panel. Instead of using 3-pole breakers or single-pole breakers with handle ties “identified” for the purpose as permitted in Sec. 240.15(B)(1), (B)(2), (B)(3), and (B)(4), the installer simply jammed a piece of wire through the handles of the breakers in an effort to make handle ties. Unfortunately, I encounter this common violation all too often. Even if this wiring is temporary, which some of it may be, it still needs to be Code compliant.

Take a Bow

Where did all of the conduit supports go? That’s the great mystery of this installation. The only thing supporting this conduit is a piece of rope tied around the tree just below the box. The box itself is not secured to anything and is also just flopping around when the wind blows. Installing a PVC raceway on a tree is not a Code violation; however, one needs to take particular care when doing so. In fact, Sec. 410.36(G) specifically permits using trees to support luminaires and associated equipment. Section 352.10(F) allows PVC to be used exposed, but “PVC conduit used exposed in areas of physical damage shall be identified for the use.” In other words, Schedule 80 PVC conduit should be used. Table 352.30 requires ½-in. through 1-in. PVC to be secured every 3 ft. Apparently, the installer didn’t read this Section of the Code. Perhaps an expansion-deflection fitting, as required in Sec. 300.7(B), installed near the base of the tree may have helped prevent the conduit from bowing and bending. Lastly, Sec. 314.23(A) requires boxes mounted on a building or other surface to be “rigidly and securely fastened in place.”

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.

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