Ecmweb 7947 Nec Illustrated Catastrophes Dec 2015 Pr2

Illustrated Catastrophes: A Laundry List of Problems

Dec. 14, 2015

More Code catastrophes uncovered and corrected in these faulty installations

All references are based on the 2014 edition of the NEC.

A Laundry List of Problems

Kevin King, one of our readers, sent in this photo with the following quote: “I read your column every month and enjoy seeing the things that you find. I was asked to help a new homeowner install some flooring. During the tour of the rest of the home, she pointed out the water softener installation that she was going to have the softener company correct. I noticed and commented that the required clearance to the front of the electrical panel was not present due to the clothes hamper.”

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Kevin, thanks so much for sharing this great photo. You are correct about the lack of required clearances in front of this panelboard. Section 110.26(A) requires the working space in front of this panelboard to be kept clear for a depth of 3 ft, a width of at least 30 in., and a height of 6½ ft.

Another problem I noticed is the water pipe below the panel appears to be in violation of the dedicated space requirements of Sec. 110.26(E)(1)(a), which requires the space directly above and below the panelboard to be dedicated to the electrical installation. No foreign systems are permitted in this space.

Can You Lend Some Support?

It appears that this service mast is about to fold over onto itself. That would be a really bad situation!

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Section 230.28(B) requires power service masts to be of adequate strength to withstand the weight and strain imposed by the overhead conductors. If the mast alone cannot provide enough strength and support, then braces or guy wires shall be used to provide additional support. Perhaps this installer should have installed some guy wires for this mast. Now that the mast is bent over, it’s also possible the overhead wires are hanging too low. Sections 230.24(B)(1) through (4) establish the minimum height requirements for these 120/240V overhead service conductors, including: 10 ft minimum above grade for drip loops and pedestrian-only areas; 12 ft over driveways and residential property; and

18 ft over public streets and roads. These wires are not as high as they were when this mast was installed due to the damaged pipe. We can only hope that a large truck doesn’t come down the street and accidently hit these overhead lines and tear them off the building before a repair can be made.

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.