Ecmweb 8177 5 5 16wwh1web
Ecmweb 8177 5 5 16wwh1web
Ecmweb 8177 5 5 16wwh1web
Ecmweb 8177 5 5 16wwh1web
Ecmweb 8177 5 5 16wwh1web

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: It’s Time to Go Back to School

May 5, 2016
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

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: It’s time to go back to school.

Find the Answer

Greg Taylor, an electrician in New London, Ohio, was kind enough to share these two photos with us.

“It really is amazing — some of the things we come across as electricians,” says Taylor. “I've found a couple recently, and thought I would share. The first one is at a school gymnasium restroom. The second is a splice (two No. 6 wires for the range put under a Romex connector and taped). This type of work never ceases to amaze me.”

Well Greg, it never ceases to amaze me either! The paper towel dispenser location violates the intent of Sec. 110.26(E). The space directly below these electrical panels is required to be kept clear down to the floor and should be dedicated to the electrical installation. No foreign systems are supposed to be installed in this space.

As for the other photo, using a cable connector as a conductor splicing means is a violation of Sec. 110.3(B). This is certainly not what a cable connector is designed to be used for. In addition, Sec. 110.14(B) requires that splices be made with splicing devices “identified for the use.”

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.

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