What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Waiting for the drywall installers
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: Waiting for the drywall installers
July Winners
Congratulations to our three July winners: Ted Fritz of Fritz ElectRick in Byron, Ill.; John Lanzillo, an electrician in Marshfield, Mass.; and Justin Thomas with Spaulding Hospital in Chelmsford, Mass. Also, a big “thank you” to Robert Atwood, supervising electrician for Hollywood Lights, Inc., of Portland, Ore., for sharing this photo with us. “The owner stated that although it had been this way for many years, it didn't seem to be a problem until their grandkids started spending time with them,” says Atwood. “That’s when they decided it was a good idea to move it to a better location.”
Section 680.72 requires hydromassage bathtub areas to comply with the general rules for bathrooms. Section 240.24(E) prohibits overcurrent devices from being installed in bathrooms of dwelling units, dormitory units, and guest rooms or guest suites. Section 240.24(A) requires overcurrent devices to be located in a readily accessible area without needing to climb over obstacles. Section 110.26 requires unobstructed and clear working space in front of this panelboard. For panelboards in damp locations, Sec. 408.37 refers to Sec. 312.2, which requires enclosures to be placed or equipped to prevent moisture or water from entering the enclosure.
“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 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.