I spotted this cleat-type lampholder on a recent camping trip. It was installed under the canopy that covered the picnic table at our campsite. There are exposed energized terminals on the side of this lampholder.
Section 410.5 states that lampholders, lamps, luminaires, and portable luminaires “shall have no live parts normally exposed to contact.” The Exception in Sec. 410.5 allows cleat-type lampholders to have exposed terminals where it is located at least 8 ft above the floor. This lampholder is less than 7 ft high and can easily be reached and contacted accidentally. It poses a severe shock hazard.
The other questionable item is the use of flexible cord as a permanent branch circuit wiring method. Section 400.12(1) prohibits using flexible cords or flexible cables as a substitute for fixed wiring of a structure.
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.