Ecmweb 8817 3 1 17wwhlarge
Ecmweb 8817 3 1 17wwhlarge
Ecmweb 8817 3 1 17wwhlarge
Ecmweb 8817 3 1 17wwhlarge
Ecmweb 8817 3 1 17wwhlarge

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Wet and Wild

March 2, 2017
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

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: Wet and wild

Find the Answer

This is an outdoor wet location, yet the installer chose to install a box cover that is weatherproof only when the cover is closed — despite the fact that the receptacles are always in use with the box cover open.

Section 406.9(B)(1) requires 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V receptacles installed in a wet location to have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not an attachment plug is inserted into the receptacle. With this cover being wide open, rain and moisture can easily enter the enclosure and damage the GFCI receptacle. Relying on a water-damaged GFCI device to protect people against shock would be a risky move. The receptacle itself is also required to be of the weather-resistant type. This particular box cover is rated to be weatherproof when it is closed and installed in a horizontal position versus the vertical position that it is presently installed. Not following the listing requirements and manufacturer instructions is a violation of Sec. 110.3(B). Section 314.15 reaffirms that this enclosure needs to be weatherproof and placed or equipped to prevent moisture from entering the box. That will not be possible so long as this cover remains open.

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.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.