Ecmweb 20694 Wwh Code Watch 2 770 Crop
Ecmweb 20694 Wwh Code Watch 2 770 Crop
Ecmweb 20694 Wwh Code Watch 2 770 Crop
Ecmweb 20694 Wwh Code Watch 2 770 Crop
Ecmweb 20694 Wwh Code Watch 2 770 Crop

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Not a Bundle of Joy

July 19, 2018
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Not a bundle of joy

See the answer below.

This is not a bundle of joy. It is more like a bundle of horrors. There are fire alarm cables, Type NM cables, MC cables, audio cables, communication cables, thermostat cables and every other type of cable in this messy bundle. It’s also located right next to the entry door for this electric room.

The MC cables are not properly supported as required by Sec. 330.30. The unsupported NM cables violate the requirements of Sec. 334.30. These cables are all being used as supporting means for each other, which is a violation of Sec. 300.11(D). We could also make a strong argument that these cables are exposed to physical damage and should be protected as specified in Sec. 300.4. The giant holes punched through the sheetrock and the bricks to run the cables through leaves a gaping violation of the firestopping requirements of Sec. 300.21. Section 760.24(A) requires fire alarm cables to be supported by the building structure in a manner that cables won’t be damaged, including protection as required by Sec. 300.4(D). The Class 2 thermostat cables are required to be installed neat and workmanlike in a manner that they won’t be damaged either. I think it’s pretty obvious this job needs a complete re-do.

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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