Ecmweb 24151 20190314 Wwh Code Watch 1 1

What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: This Installation Floors Me

March 14, 2019

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: This installation floors me

See the answer below.

Close, but not quite right. I’m guessing the installer chose to put this floor receptacle in place to fulfill the requirements for wall receptacles as specified in Sec. 210.52(A)(2). Receptacle outlets installed in or on the floor are permitted in accordance with Sec. 210.52(A)(3) where the receptacle is located within 18 in. of the wall. But that is not the problem here. The problem is the type of box used for this installation. The installer used an “old work” box that would typically be cut into an existing sheetrock wall and held in place with “Madison bars” or “battleships” or some other nickname used to describe “box positioning devices.” Section 314.27(B) requires boxes specifically listed for the application to be used for receptacles located in the floor. The exception for that section allows the AHJ some discretion to allow other boxes to be used in the elevated floors of show windows. However, the exception is not applicable to this dwelling unit installation.

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.