Ecmweb 22984 20181206 Wwh Code Watch 1 1024
Ecmweb 22984 20181206 Wwh Code Watch 1 1024
Ecmweb 22984 20181206 Wwh Code Watch 1 1024
Ecmweb 22984 20181206 Wwh Code Watch 1 1024
Ecmweb 22984 20181206 Wwh Code Watch 1 1024

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Elevator Room Escapades

Dec. 6, 2018
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: elevator room escapades

Who needs an attachment plug cap anyways? Apparently not this installer, since he cut off the cord cap of the air conditioning unit and hard-wired it directly into the outlet box.

Misusing the cord-and-plug connection in this way violates the requirements of Sec. 110.3(B), since the air conditioner is not designed to be hard-wired. How can we swap out this unit now if it needs to be replaced? An electrician would need to remove the box cover and disconnect the wiring to allow this through-the-wall unit to be removed. This was not meant to be used in this manner.

The lack of a cord-cap also has me wondering where the disconnecting means is located for this room air conditioner. Section 440.63 is no longer applicable since the cord-and-plug connection has been eliminated. Section 440.14 requires a disconnecting means to be installed in a readily accessible location within sight from the air conditioning unit. Neither of the two exceptions in Sec. 440.14 would be applicable here. I did not see a disconnect for this unit anywhere in this elevator machine room. The installer may have also eliminated the AFCI, LCDI or HDCI protection device required by Sec. 440.65, which may have been located in the supply cord or part of the attachment plug.

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.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.