What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Field of Broken Dreams (and Boxes)
Hint: Field of broken dreams (and boxes).
The broken PVC junction box was probably a result of being hit by a lawn mower. It needs to be replaced as the wires are now exposed and no longer protected. Section 110.12(B) states in part, “There shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment such as parts that are broken; bent; cut; or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating.”
I would say the broken box falls into the category of “damaged parts” and the safe operation of this circuit is questionable. In locations where electrical equipment is exposed to physical damage, Section 110.27(B) requires enclosures or guards to be “arranged and of such strength as to prevent such damage.” The missing cover for the receptacles is also a violation of Sec. 110.12(B) and certainly no longer provides a weatherproof enclosure for the receptacles as required by Sec. 406.9(B)(1).
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.