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. It's your turn to identify the violation.
Hint: Falling to pieces
Find the Answer
I found this located along a walkway at a vacation resort. I would imagine that this installation was initially intact and operating safely, but broken pipes and a damaged box have left these wires exposed and vulnerable to physical damage, sunlight damage, and water saturation. This broken box can greatly elevate the shock hazard to people in the area.
Section 110.12(B) states that there shall not be any broken or damaged parts that could “adversely affect the safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment” such as parts that are broken, bent, or cut. I would say that this installation now falls into the “Code violation” category.
Section 352.10(F) tells us that PVC conduit installed in areas exposed to physical damage must be of a type identified for the use. Generally, this means Schedule 80 PVC should be used instead of Schedule 40 PVC in these areas.
Section 300.5(D)(4) also requires Schedule 80 PVC to be used where PVC raceways emerge from the ground and are exposed to physical damage.
I think some repairs are needed in order to get this installation back to being Code-compliant and safe.
