Ecmweb 25930 Nec Code Quandaries 1019 Pr
Ecmweb 25930 Nec Code Quandaries 1019 Pr
Ecmweb 25930 Nec Code Quandaries 1019 Pr
Ecmweb 25930 Nec Code Quandaries 1019 Pr
Ecmweb 25930 Nec Code Quandaries 1019 Pr

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: A Bad “Two-For-One” Sale

Oct. 17, 2019
NEC Code Violations

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn’t identify? Here’s your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else’s work from the safety of your living room or office. Can you identify the specific Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2017 NEC.

Hint: A bad “two-for-one” sale

August Winners

Our two winners this month were Peter Oven, P.E., a project manager for Wilson Engineering Services, PC, in Meadville, Pa., and Jake Basher, an estimator for Gordon & Zoerb Electrical Contractors, Inc., in Buffalo, N.Y. They both knew the Code does not permit plumbing fittings to be used for electrical installations.

Section 110.8 tells us that only suitable wiring methods are recognized by the Code. Plumbing fittings, such as the ones used here, are not found anywhere in the Code. While that sharp 90° elbow may be fine for moving water, it creates some friction problems for pulling wires through it.

Section 352.24 informs us that radius of PVC conduit bends must conform to the dimensions shown in Table 2, Chapter 9. Conductor insulation could be damaged by pulling conductors around bends that are too sharp. Section 352.48 requires PVC conduit and all associated fittings and factory elbows to be listed. Plumbing fittings are certainly not listed for use on electrical conduits. While Sec. 352.48 allows joints to be made in an “approved method,” I don’t think any knowledgeable electrical inspector would approve the use of plumbing fittings in this situation.

‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’

Using the 2017 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries FLBT4400SS countertop box kit, which includes a stainless steel trap door cover and a 20A decorator-style, tamper-resistant receptacle. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win. 

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.

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