Hint: Pining for some Code compliance
I spotted this arrangement high up in a large pine tree. Several receptacle outlets were permanently installed in the trees at this property to provide power for Christmas lighting displays used during the holiday season. The PVC conduit has no supporting methods other than the tree branches. Installing some conduit clips per Sec. 352.30(B) would have been a great idea. Sections 314.23(A) through (H) provide several options for supporting and securing outlet boxes. The outlet box installed here is free-floating and not secured to the tree in any manner. The only thing supporting the box is the PVC conduit. Section 352.12(B) prohibits PVC conduits from being used as a support for boxes. The receptacle covers used here do not comply with Sec. 406.9(B)(1). An enclosure that is weatherproof (whether or not an attachment plug is inserted) is required here. Section 406.9(B)(1) also requires these receptacles to be listed and identified as weather-resistant (WR) type.
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.