How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn’t identify? Here’s your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else’s work from the safety of your living room or office. Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2011 NEC.
Hint: Out of control
JUNE WINNERS
Only two readers were able to correctly identify the violations with this rooftop installation. Dan Geske, president of Rural Electric Service, Inc., Fall Creek, Wis., and Charles J. Grew, a registered professional electrical engineer with Gannett Fleming, Inc., Camp Hill, Pa., were this month’s winners.
This photo shows an NM cable run through a rooftop exhaust vent for this apartment building’s laundry room dryers. The “warm and fuzzy” laundry lint is clearly visible in the vent and on the roof. Section 300.22(A) requires that no wiring systems of any type shall be installed in ducts used to transport dust, loose stock, or flammable vapors. Lint is dusty and highly combustible. In addition, 334.12(B)(4) does not permit NM cable to be installed in this outdoor wet location. There is also no disconnect for the motor. This is a violation of 430.102(B)(1) and (2) and the exception, because the exception would not be applicable in this case.
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.