Hint: Surface-mounted silliness
See answer below.
Using surface-mount nonmetallic raceway can be a quick way to get a job wrapped up. However, the Code rules must be followed to provide a safe installation. This installer appears to have cut some corners on this installation. The most obvious problem is the gaping hole on the top of the box.
Where conductors enter a box, Sec. 314.17(A) requires box openings to be closed in an approved manner. I’m not so sure this box is designed to be used with this type of raceway either. The shape and size of the opening indicate that this is a mismatched use of wiring methods.
Section 388.6 requires surface-mount nonmetallic raceways and any associated fittings to be listed. Section 110.3(B) requires listed products to be installed in accordance with the instructions. The raceway is not secured to the box in any way. It’s merely placed close to the box without being connected to it. This is a violation of Sec. 300.12, which requires raceways to be continuous between boxes. Lastly, this wiring was installed on the exterior of a building and does not comply with Sec. 388.10(1), which permits surface nonmetallic raceway installations in dry locations only.
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.