What’s Wrong Here? Hint: A Not-So-Weatherproof Enclosure

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

June 9, 2021

Hint: A not-so-weatherproof enclosure.

The use of liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) was a decent choice by the installer of this luminaire. LFMC is suitable for use in wet locations and other areas where protection from liquids, vapors, or solids is needed as permitted in Sec. 350.10(1). However, the type of cover used to make the surface extension was a poor choice. The Exception in Sec. 314.22 permits surface extensions from covers using flexible wiring methods where the cover is unlikely to fall off or be removed if the securing means is removed. This cover is a simple 4-in. octagonal cover with no gasket and is not designed for installation in this wet location as required by Sec. 314.15. Moisture and water can easily enter the box and cause damage to any contained splices as well as possibly seeping into the walls of the building causing even more damage. A weatherproof cover with a gasket would have been a much better choice of covers.

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.