Ecmweb 5932 Nec Code Violations Whats Wrong Here 1213 Pr
Ecmweb 5932 Nec Code Violations Whats Wrong Here 1213 Pr
Ecmweb 5932 Nec Code Violations Whats Wrong Here 1213 Pr
Ecmweb 5932 Nec Code Violations Whats Wrong Here 1213 Pr
Ecmweb 5932 Nec Code Violations Whats Wrong Here 1213 Pr

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Get that monkey off your back

Dec. 17, 2013
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

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 2014 NEC.

Hint: Get that monkey off your back

Tell Them What They Have Won...

Using the 2011 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win a $50 gift check. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win.

October Winners

Our three winners this month were: Timothy Ruffinen, AIS supervisor, Seton Health System, Troy, N.Y.; Chuck Fleming, Conrads Big C Electric, Rapid City, S.D.; and Ryan K. Vellia, P.E., senior electrical engineer, Lizardos Mechanical & Engineering, Mineola, N.Y. They all pinpointed the Code violations associated with this crazy bathroom situation. Note: A special thank you goes out to Joe Gore, an electrician in Massachusetts, for sharing this interesting photo with us in the first place. He found this when he was hired to add a receptacle in this home.

Section 240.24(A) requires overcurrent devices to be readily accessible and 240.24(E) prohibits these overcurrent devices from being located in dwelling unit bathrooms. Similarly, 230.70(A)(1) requires service disconnects to be readily accessible, and 230.70(A)(2) prohibits the service disconnecting means from being located in bathrooms for any type of occupancy. The presence of the sink and tub make this area a “bathroom” as defined in Art. 100. The bathtub placement also effectively eliminates the equipment’s clear working space required in 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3). The minimum safe working space required in front of this panel should be 3 ft deep and 30 in. wide. This work space should also be clear and extend from the floor to a height of at least 6½ ft.

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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