What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Raise the Roof
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 2017 NEC.
Hint: Raise the roof
FEBRUARY WINNERS
This month’s winners were: Adam Stapleton, an electrical engineering specialist for Strang, Inc., in Madison, Wis.; Mark Sefira with CFM Commercial HVAC, Inc., of Orwigsburg, Pa.; and Valerie Muszynski with Southern Electric of Hartford, Conn. They all knew that securing cables to the exterior of raceways was not the correct method for supporting those cables.
Section 300.11(C) generally prohibits using raceways as a means of support for cables unless the cables are for Class 2 circuits used for controlling equipment that is powered by the circuit conductors in the raceway connected to that equipment. Raceways could support cables where the raceway is identified for that purpose, but PVC conduit is not made for this purpose. Section 800.133(B) also prohibits communication wires and cables from being attached by any means to the exterior of raceways as a supporting means.
Another concern with this installation is the possible lack of support for the PVC conduit itself. Section 352.30(A) requires this conduit to be securely fastened with 3 ft of each installed conduit body, box, or other conduit termination. Lastly, the yellow NM cable installed under this deck is a violation of Sec. 334.12(B), because NM is not permitted in this outdoor damp location.
‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’
Using the 2017 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries FLBT4400SS countertop box kit, which includes a stainless-steel trap door cover and a 20A decorator-style, tamper-resistant receptacle. 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.
About the Author
Russ LeBlancRuss 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.
