• What’s Wrong Here? Hint: A Mixed and Matched Mess

    Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?
    Aug. 20, 2020
    2 min read
    Nec Whats Wrong Here 0820 Promo 5f3eab541a6cb

    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 2020 NEC.

    Hint: A mixed and matched mess

    Nec Whats Wrong Here 0820 1

    June Winner

    Congratulations to our lone winner this month. Elizabeth Watson, a reader from Ennis, Texas, correctly identified some of the problems with this installation.
    Nec Whats Wrong Here 0820 2
    As is the case with many of these installations, we can almost always cite a violation of Sec. 110.12. Equipment must be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Although this rule is certainly subject to interpretation, sometimes you simply know it when you see it. I think this one falls into that category. This clump of split-bolt connectors is super messy, making it very difficult to isolate or troubleshoot any potential problems in the future.There is also another concern. Section 110.14(B) requires all splices and joints to be covered with insulation equivalent to the conductor’s insulation or be covered with an identified insulating device. These splices were all left bare. Although splices and taps are permitted to be made in the wiring space of this enclosure, this is true only if all of the conditions of Sec. 312.8(A) are met, including limiting the amount of conductors, splices, and taps to no more than 75% of the cross-sectional area of that space.

    ‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’

    Using the 2020 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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