What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Rooftop Limbo

Aug. 10, 2023

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Rooftop limbo

Generally speaking, Sec. 230.24(A) requires overhead service conductors to have a vertical clearance of at least 8 ft 6 in. above roof surfaces. The overhead conductors in this photo are way too low and could easily be reached by a person standing on the roof. Service technicians will need to access this roof in order to service and maintain the rooftop air conditioning units and playing limbo with overhead service conductors is asking for trouble! There are five exceptions for Sec. 230.24(A) allowing reduced vertical clearances, but none of those exceptions are applicable to this installation.

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.