Ecmweb 25241 Nec Code Whats Wrong Here 0719 Pr
Ecmweb 25241 Nec Code Whats Wrong Here 0719 Pr
Ecmweb 25241 Nec Code Whats Wrong Here 0719 Pr
Ecmweb 25241 Nec Code Whats Wrong Here 0719 Pr
Ecmweb 25241 Nec Code Whats Wrong Here 0719 Pr

What's Wrong Here? Hint: It’s Time to Cut the Cord

July 18, 2019
NEC Code: What's Wrong Here?

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. Can you identify the specific Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2017 NEC.

Hint: It’s time to cut the cord.

May (Missing in Action) Winner

Unfortunately, no one correctly identified the Code violation in this photo. So here are the problems I see with this installation.

One major issue with this PVC conduit run is the lack of any expansion fittings. Long runs of PVC conduit installed outdoors, especially in direct sunlight on a rooftop, can experience significant changes in length due to thermal expansion and contraction. For example, Table 352.44 shows that a 100-ft-long conduit run will experience approximately 4 in. of length change when exposed to a temperature change of 100°F. That could easily happen on this rooftop. If expansion fittings are not used as specified in Sec. 352.44, the conduit run will eventually self-destruct. That’s what happened here. For side-to-side movements, Sec. 300.7(B) requires the use of expansion-deflection or deflection fittings. This would have been an appropriate choice at this location.

‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’

Using the 2017 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries FLBT4400SS countertop box kit, which includes a stainless steel trap door cover and a 20A decorator-style, tamper-resistant receptacle. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win. 

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.

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