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: Nailed it
Find the Answer
This installer put these nails to good use in creating a silly Code violation. Single-pole circuit breakers are permitted to be used as the protection for ungrounded conductors in accordance with Sec. 240.15(B).
- Section 240.15(B)(1) permits single-pole breakers to be used for multi-wire branch circuits that serve only single-phase, line-to-neutral loads.
- Section 240.15(B)(2) permits these breakers to be used for the line-to-line connected loads in grounded 120/240VAC circuits.
- For 3-phase and 2-phase systems, Sec. 240.15(B)(3) allows 120/240V single-pole breakers if the system has a grounded neutral and the voltage to ground does not exceed 120V.
- Section 240.15(B)(4) allows 125/250VDC single-pole breakers to be used for line-to-line connected loads for 3-wire DC circuits supplied from a system with a grounded neutral where the voltage to ground does not exceed 125V.
In each of these cases the use of identified handle ties is required. Nails are not identified for this and cannot be used in lieu of approved handle ties.