Nec Wwh 0120 Pr

What’s Wrong Here? This Neutral Bus Has Me Seeing Double

Jan. 16, 2020
Can you spot the Code violation(s)?

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: This neutral bus has me seeing double.

November Winners

Our three winners this month were: Wayne Cellio, a reader from Leland, N.C.; Kyle Haberkorn with Dynamic Electric, Inc. in Alsip, Ill.; and Sean D. Klein with Chevron in Covington, La. Each of these readers correctly cited violations in this photo.

I received lots of submissions from our readers this month correctly citing the NEC violations in this photo. Unfortunately, our contest rules only allow me to select three random winners. Keep reading and sending in your submissions for a chance to win!

For raceways containing insulated conductors, Sec. 300.4(G) requires 4 AWG or larger conductors to be protected by an identified insulating fitting, providing a smoothly rounded surface, such as a plastic bushing, where these conductors enter a cabinet, box, enclosure, or raceway. No such fitting was used on this raceway, and the result is evident by the nicked and damaged conductor insulation. Also, the missing wireway cover is a violation of Sec. 376.100(D), which requires covers to be securely fastened to the wireway. The missing cover results in an incomplete enclosure and a violation of the construction requirements of Sec. 376.100(B).

‘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.

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