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: Hot and steamy
Find the Answer
It’s going to be a really tight squeeze for any electricians that may need to access this panelboard, which is crammed behind a steam pipe and a gas pipe. Can you imagine trying to remove this panel cover in order to take some voltage readings? That would really put you in a dangerous situation.
This is a violation of the clear working spaces required by Sec. 110.26. This is an all too common problem for electricians who are now exposed to increased risk of injury due to the encroachment of foreign systems into the work space. The working space in front of this panelboard needs to be kept clear for at least 3 ft deep, 30 in. wide, and 6½ ft high, in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 110.26(A)(1) through (3).
This panelboard has less than 1 ft of clearance where the steam pipe is located. Now imagine a worst-case scenario involving that gas pipe and an electrical explosion. It’s enough to give me nightmares!
