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: Space invasion
Find the Answer
The ongoing battle for space continues in this episode of “CodeWatch.”
I can only hope that the electrician was here before the plumber installed that huge pipe. Look at all the wall space to the left and right of the panelboard. Yet, for some reason, the installer decided putting that pipe directly above the panelboard was a good idea.
Electricians know that the space directly above this panelboard is dedicated for the electrical installation. No other piping systems or equipment foreign to the electrical system is permitted in the spaces directly below or directly above the panelboard. Section 110.26(E)(1)(a) explains that this “dedicated space” extends from the floor, to a height of 6 ft above the electrical equipment or to the structural ceiling — whichever is lower.
If the plumbing pipe was installed first, then perhaps the electrician should spend some time reading all the rules in Sec. 110.26 again. But I don’t think that was the case in this instance.
One thing is for sure, it’s obvious that better lines of communication need to be established between the trades in order to put an end to the ongoing battle for space.
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.