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: A crowded house panel.
August Winners
Our three winners this month were: Matt Barr, a reader from Shreveport, La.; Michael Norris, an instructor for the Boston Public Schools, Quincy, Mass.; and Steve Potter, a superintendent for Triple R Electric, Inc., in LaGrange, N.C. All three correctly pointed out the fact that this box needs a couple of knockout seals installed to be Code compliant.
Section 110.12(A) requires unused openings to be closed with a plug, plate, or other type of closure to provide protection equivalent to the wall of the box or equipment. Openings for mounting holes, vent holes, and other openings that are part of the equipment design and operation are not required to be closed. Keeping the box closed contains possible arcs and sparks inside, and prevents them from igniting adjacent combustible materials. It also prevents accidental contact with exposed live parts inside the box. Keeping the box closed can also help keep critters out. Mice and other small rodents or pests can enter through missing seals and cause damage by chewing wires or contacting energized live parts — neither of which works out well for the life of the equipment or the critters, for that matter.
‘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 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.