What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: A Window with a View… of Conductors!

Dec. 22, 2022

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: A window with a view…of conductors!

service conductors without required clearance

Section 230.9(A) requires service conductors to have a minimum clearance of 3 ft from doors, porches, balconies, ladders, stairs, fire escapes, and windows that are designed to be opened when the conductors are installed as “open conductors” or multiconductor cables without an overall outer jacket. These conductors are right next to the window and can be easily reached when the top window is opened. Since these conductors are not installed entirely above the top level of the window, the exception of allowing less than 3 ft of clearance from the window would not be applicable.

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.