Ecmweb 6887 12 4 14wwhsundamagedcablelarge
Ecmweb 6887 12 4 14wwhsundamagedcablelarge
Ecmweb 6887 12 4 14wwhsundamagedcablelarge
Ecmweb 6887 12 4 14wwhsundamagedcablelarge
Ecmweb 6887 12 4 14wwhsundamagedcablelarge

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: More Sunscreen Please

Dec. 4, 2014
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: More sunscreen, please

Find the Answer

Just as the sun can damage our skin, it can also damage the insulation on cables and conductors, if they are not sunlight-resistant rated. This photo shows clear evidence of the damaging effect sunlight can have on wiring methods that are not listed as sunlight-resistant. This cable, installed on a sunny rooftop, has deteriorated to the point where the cable jacket is simply gone.

Section 310.10(D) contains requirements for insulated conductors or cables installed where exposed to the direct rays of the sun. In order to be Code-compliant, the conductors and cables must be ”listed, or listed and marked  as being sunlight-resistant.” Another option is to cover the conductors and cables with a sleeve or tape that is “listed, or listed and marked as being sunlight-resistant.” None of that was done for this installation, leaving the cable to slowly degrade from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

For this Class 2 control circuit cable exposed to the sun, Sec. 725.3(L) requires compliance with Sec. 300.6(C), which also requires this nonmetallic cable to be identified or listed as being sunlight-resistant. For this wet location, Sec. 110.11 requires conductors to be 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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