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: Peek-a-boo cable
Find the Answer
The UF cable poking out of the ground is in serious danger of being damaged by a weed whacker or a lawn mower. In addition, it could easily be stepped on by anyone walking by it.
Section 340.12(10) of the 2014 NEC does not permit UF cable to be installed where it is subject to physical damage. This is also a violation of Sec. 300.5(D)(1), since cables and conductors emerging from the ground are required to be protected by enclosures or raceways from the minimum depth required by 300.5(A), to a point at least 8 ft above grade.
Starting the protection at 2 in. above grade does not really afford any protection to the cable. Where the raceway itself is subject to physical damage, Sec. 300.5(D)(4) requires RMC, IMC, RTRC-XW, Schedule 80 PVC, or some equivalent protection to be used. Sections 352.10(F) and 352.12(C) similarly require PVC to be identified for the use where installed in areas exposed to physical damage. Schedule 80 PVC is identified for use in areas exposed to physical damage. Using Schedule 40 PVC may not be the best option in this case because this is a high traffic area.
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.