What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Haphazard Basement Wiring

Aug. 24, 2023

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Haphazard basement wiring

I found this mess in the basement of an old house in New England. Many NM cables were strewn about the area without being supported and secured as required by Sec. 334.30. Several of the NM cables are bent way too sharply and do not comply with the bending requirements in Sec. 334.24. Bends that are too tight can potentially cause damage to the conductor insulation. A few of these cables are positioned where they could be exposed to physical damage. For those cable, protection needs to be provided where necessary as specified in Sec. 334.15(B). As for the overall quality of this work, Sec. 110.12 requires installations to be made in a professional and skillful manner. I think this work seems rushed and not planned out very well.

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.