Ecmweb 4637 Splice Box 002web
Ecmweb 4637 Splice Box 002web
Ecmweb 4637 Splice Box 002web
Ecmweb 4637 Splice Box 002web
Ecmweb 4637 Splice Box 002web

Whats Wrong Here?

May 19, 2011
Hint: These "wire capsules" are not available for purchase.

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. Joe, who has a knack for finding shoddy electrical work, did the dirty work and found this mess. Now it's your turn to identify the violation.

Find the Answer

"Check out this splice box we found in a residential attic," says Richard Tanner of Mr. Electric in south Alabama. "Yes, the installer placed PVC couplings over split bolts and filled the void with caulk! Hey, at least they used Romex connectors."

As per 110.14(B), "Conductors shall be spliced or joined with splicing devices identified for the use or by brazing, welding, or soldering with a fusible metal or alloy. Soldered splices shall first be spliced or joined so as to be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then be soldered. All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an insulating device identified for the purpose. Wire connectors or splicing means installed on conductors for direct burial shall be listed for such use."

It's clear these homemade splice units are not identified or listed for electrical use.

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About the Author

Joe Tedesco

Tedesco served the industry in many roles during his career. He was a director, senior electrical code instructor for National Technology Transfer, Inc. and American Trainco, Inc.. He was also a codes, standards and seminar specialist for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors and an electrical field service specialist for the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass. He ran his own business as an NEC consultant and is a Massachusetts licensed master electrician and journeyman electrician and certified electrical inspector (one and two family 2A; General 2B, and Plan Review, 2C). Tedesco also wrote articles for CEE News and EC&M (Code Violations Illustrated and What's Wrong Here?) for more than 15 years and helped launched the Moving Violations video series.

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