Hint: Splices in the sun.
Who needs a box when you can simply make some flying splices on free-air conductors installed without any raceway or cable? This free-air method is so much easier and more convenient, right? While this method may be cheaper, quicker, and easier, it is also a clear Code violation. Using single insulated conductors in this manner is not permitted. Even if this was temporary wiring, nothing in Art. 590 permits single insulated conductors to be used in this manner for services. In fact, Sec. 590.2(A) states that all requirements for permanent wiring shall apply to temporary wiring unless modified by Art. 590. Section 590.4(A) requires services to conform with Art. 230 as applicable. Section 230.43(1) does permit open wiring on insulators, but that is not what we have here. Section 310.10(D) requires insulated conductors exposed to the sun to be listed as being sunlight resistant or covered with a sleeve or tape that is sunlight resistant. For the wire connectors, Sec. 300.3(C)(1) requires nonmetallic equipment exposed to sunlight to be identified or listed as sunlight resistant. Lastly, securing these conductors to an existing SE cable is a violation of Sec. 300.11(D).
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.