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What's Wrong Here?

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Fixture Flop

March 18, 2015

Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

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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: Fixture flop

January Winners

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Our winners this month were: Bill Gallus, a retired electrical engineer from Johnstown, Pa.; Michael J. Gillean, the owner of Sonoma Valley Electric, Sonoma, Calif.; and John Osowski with Triple E Electric of Bedford, Ohio. Each of them was able to correctly identify the Code violations found in this poor excuse for a device box.

This installation makes “real” electricians cringe. Section 300.15 requires a box to be installed where NM cable has an outlet, switch, conductor splice point, or termination point. These wires were just stuffed into the wall cavity with no protection. Section 406.5 requires receptacles to be installed in identified boxes or assemblies. This low-voltage “ring” does not meet the definition of a box. It is intended to be used for low-energy Class 2 circuits, or communication-type circuits, and should not have been used to secure this receptacle to the wall. Using it in this manner violates the rules of Sec. 110.3(B). In addition, Sec. 334.15(B) requires protection for the NM cable where it passes through the floor. The cable could have been protected by enclosing it in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80-type PVC conduit, RTRC-XW conduit, or other approved means extending at least 6 in. above the floor.

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.