What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Give Me a Leg to Stand On

March 22, 2018

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

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Hint: Give me a leg to stand on

Scroll Down to See the Answer

Wow! Where is all the support for this rooftop disconnect? Section 300.11(A) requires cabinets to be securely fastened in place. This cabinet seems to be floating in air or standing on one “leg.” Per Sec. 358.12(2), the EMT connected to the bottom of the cabinet is not permitted as a means of support. No rules in Art. 350 allow the liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) entering the back of the disconnect to be considered proper support for this disconnect either. Therefore, this cabinet has zero support.

The missing knockout seal at the bottom left of the disconnect is a violation of Sec. 110.12(A). Unused openings like this must be closed. Securing the LFMC to the gas piping supplying this roof top unit is not a good idea. I think many inspectors would agree doing this violates the intent of Sec. 350.30(A). This is speculation on my part, but it appears that the disconnect originally may have been secured to a rooftop HVAC unit that was bigger than the one that is presently sitting in that spot. Maybe the HVAC installer did the replacement without contacting a qualified electrician? However, now we can only guess this might be the case.

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.