What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Broken Connector = No Grounding Means
Hint: Broken connector = no grounding means.
That broken connector is much more than just a broken connector. It also means the equipment grounding connection has been lost! Section 250.118(A)(5) permits Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) to be used as an equipment grounding means under certain conditions. However, there are no conditions where FMC will provide an effective ground-fault current path if the connector used to establish that path is broken!
In addition to that violation the broken connector is also a violation of Sec. 110.12(B) since these damaged parts adversely affect the safe operation of the equipment. Where flexibility is necessary to minimize vibrations, Sec. 348.60(B) requires an equipment grounding conductor (of the wire type) to be installed with the FMC to provide reliable grounding and bonding. This broken connector also fails to provide the electrical continuity required by Sec. 300.12.
About the Author
Russ LeBlancRuss 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.
