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: Two for the price of one.
‘Tell Them What They’ve 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.
June Winners
Our three winners this month were: David Dobson, owner of David’s Electrical, Lanett, Ala.; Pierce Morgan, lead facilities electrician, Hewitt N.J.; and Master Sargent James E. Mathews, site support electrical manager, Colorado Springs, Colo. They were all able to correctly cite the violations associated with this air-conditioner equipment installation.
According to 110.8 of the 2011 NEC, only recognized, suitable wiring methods can be used for electrical installations. Those white plumbing-type PVC elbows may be great for carrying water, but trying to pull wires through those sharp bends could be a nightmare. Section 352.24 explains that bends must be made in PVC conduit so the radius of the curve is not less than that shown in Table 2 of Chapter 9. According to Table 2, bends in ¾-in. PVC conduit must be made so the radius of the curve is at least 4½ in. to the centerline of the conduit. The sharp bends in the plumbing fittings are clearly a violation of this requirement. Wires pulled through those fittings could easily be damaged as they get pulled around the corners.
I would also like to point out the lack of a disconnecting means. Trust me when I say it’s nowhere to be found. This is a violation of 440.14, which requires the disconnecting means to be readily accessible and located in sight from the air-conditioning equipment.