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
"Here is a picture of an actual energized and working electrical service for a college dormitory that we are going to have to clean up," says Dave R. Helriegel of Gillan & Hartmann, Inc., Valley Forge, Pa . "We are trying to figure out where to start first."
This equipment arrangement is totally unacceptable. First, let's call attention to a few evident hazards. All of the open enclosures can easily lead to a shock hazard for anyone in this space. This equipment is clearly not installed in a neat and workmanlike manner, as called for by 110.12. The lack of proper working space about electrical equipment violates the requirements of 110.26. There is also a lack of illumination in this area, which is a violation of 110.26(D). Finally, it looks like this equipment is installed on some old boards that look like they are insecure.
