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.
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"I work for the Inland Empire JATC in San Bernardino, Calif., and would love to share what I found in my dad's garage this last month," says Laura Vergeront, a retired inside wireman, IBEW Local 440, Riverside, Calif. "He had some handyman install these lights after he complained that his 4-ft florescent fixtures weren't bright enough. I guess the handyman never heard of using bright white fluorescent lamps to replace the older cool white lamps. This is embarrassing to say the least."
I'll say! The use of a keyless lampholder in this manner is contrary to the rules in 110.3(B) concerning proper installation and use of electrical equipment. A lampholder is designed to be connected to a lighting outlet, which is an outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or luminaire. In addition, the terminal screws may be in close contact with the cover of the electric discharge luminaire, which may lead to an unsafe shock and overcurrent condition.
A luminaire is a lighting unit consisting of a light source, such as a lamp or lamps, together with the parts designed to position the light source and connect it to the power supply. It may also include parts to protect the light source or the ballast or to distribute the light. A lampholder itself is not a luminaire. See Art. 100 for these definitions.
We should also review what Sec. 314.27 has to say about outlet boxes. As per 314.27(A), "Outlet boxes or fittings designed for the support of luminaires and lampholders, and installed as required by 314.23, shall be permitted to support a luminaire or lampholder." As noted in a portion of 314.27(A)(2), "At every outlet used exclusively for lighting, the box shall be designed or installed so that a luminaire or lampholder may be attached."
