Hint: a shopkeeper’s special
I spotted this receptacle installation in a gift store. It makes me wonder whether the shopkeeper did the installation himself or if he called an electrician. In either case, it appears that the installer did not know the rules for installing NM cable.
Section 334.10(3) permits NM cables to be installed in structures of Types III, IV or V construction where the NM cable is concealed behind a thermal barrier having a 15-minute finish rating such as ½ in. gypsum wallboard. Running NM cable exposed as it was done here, is not permitted in these structure types. The unused, but wide-open cable opening on the top of the box is a violation of Sec. 110.12(A). The lack of NM cable support within 8 in. of the box is a violation of Sec. 314.17(C), Exception. It may be a little difficult to see from this angle, but the receptacle is missing a cover plate too. This missing faceplate is a violation of Sec. 406.6 and can create a real shock hazard if the exposed energized terminals are easily contacted.
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.