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: Weatherproof woes

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 18" Slider Bar and plastic box for mounting between studs with non-standard spacing    . 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.

November Winner

Our winner this month was Jeffery Vance, a foreman for Power Design, Inc., in Severna Park, Md. He knew that EMT raceways cannot be used in this manner.

Section 358.12(2) prohibits EMT from being used to support luminaires or equipment other than conduit bodies no larger than the trade size of the EMT. Another problem is the lack of securement and support for this EMT. Section 358.30(A) requires EMT to be securely fastened in place at intervals no greater than 10 ft and within 3 ft of each tubing termination. This EMT is precariously supported in only one spot. I would also say this luminaire is not securely supported per Sec. 410.30(A). Finally, these EMT fittings are not capable of supporting this luminaire as specified in Sec. 410.36(E). One big windstorm could cause this entire installation to come crashing down.