What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Keep Your Feet on the Ground
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. It's your turn to identify the violation.
Hint: Keep your feet on the ground
Find the Answer
The CATV installer, who installed the upper enclosure on this wall for his equipment and cables, apparently was not aware of the grounding and bonding requirements of Sec. 820.100 of the 2011 NEC.
There are several options when it comes to grounding and bonding the shield of the coaxial cable. None of those options include relying on a ground lug connected to an NM cable connector, as was done in this installation.
According to 820.100(B)(1), if the building has an intersystem bonding termination installed in compliance with 250.94, the coaxial cable bonding conductor must be connected to it. If there is no intersystem bonding termination installed, 820.100(B)(2) specifies seven other possible grounding and bonding options — including bonding the coaxial cable shield to the grounding electrode system, the grounded metal water piping, an accessible means external to grounded service enclosures, nonflexible service raceways, the service equipment enclosure, or the GEC or GEC metal enclosure for the power service or structure disconnecting means. Section 820.100(B)(2) also states, "A bonding device shall be mounted on non-removable parts." Lastly, the NM cable connector was certainly not designed to be installed and used in this manner, which creates a violation of 110.3(B).
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.