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 specific Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2014 NEC.
Hint: Just a Wee Bit Short
Tell Them What They Have Won...
Using the 2014 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries TVL508 Low Profile TV BOX. 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
According to Sec. 406.9(B), 15A or 20A receptacles installed in a wet location must be installed in an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not a cord cap is inserted. Section 406.9(B) also requires an outlet box hood installed for this receptacle to be listed and identified as “extra duty.” Additionally, it requires all 15A or 20A, 125V or 250V straight-blade type receptacles to be listed as weather-resistant (WR). For damp locations, Sec. 406.9(A) permits an enclosure that is weatherproof only when the cover is closed and the cord cap is not inserted. This installation did not have either type of cover installed. The lack of a cover not only left the receptacle vulnerable to damage from being exposed directly to the weather, but it also created a real shock hazard by leaving the exposed energized terminals uncovered.
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.