Ecmweb 26170 Wwh 11 14 Featured Image
Ecmweb 26170 Wwh 11 14 Featured Image
Ecmweb 26170 Wwh 11 14 Featured Image
Ecmweb 26170 Wwh 11 14 Featured Image
Ecmweb 26170 Wwh 11 14 Featured Image

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Unprotected UF Cable

Nov. 13, 2019
Do you know how this installation violates the 2017 NEC?

Hint: unprotected UF cable

See answer below.

The UF cable coming out of the ice-covered ground was used to provide temporary power to the holiday lights on this tree. Section 590.4(J) prohibits cable assemblies, flexible cords, and flexible cables from being laid on the ground or floor for temporary power purposes. The Exception in Sec. 590.4(J) would allow the cables to be run overhead and supported by this tree if strain-relief devices, tension take-up devices, or some other approved means was used to prevent tree movement from damaging the cables.

The installer of the UF cable also installed a cord cap on the UF cable as if making an extension cord. You may notice the string lights plugged into this cord cap. Using a cord cap, designed to be installed with flexible cables or flexible cords, on UF cable is a violation of Sec. 110.3(B) since the cord cap is not listed for this use.

The lack of protection for this UF cable is a violation of Sec. 590.4(H) since this cable could easily be accidentally damaged from people walking by and stepping on the cable.

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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