Ecmweb 22857 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1118 Pr 1
Ecmweb 22857 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1118 Pr 1
Ecmweb 22857 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1118 Pr 1
Ecmweb 22857 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1118 Pr 1
Ecmweb 22857 Nec Whats Wrong Here 1118 Pr 1

What's Wrong Here? Hint: In Need of Room Service

Nov. 17, 2018
NEC - 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: In need of room service

September Winners

Unfortunately, no one correctly identified the Code violations in this photo. Here are some of the problems I see with this installation.

In damp locations, Sec. 406.9(A) requires receptacles to have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the receptacle does not have an attachment plug inserted. Unfortunately, this cover is not properly secured, so it will never be able to provide the required weatherproof enclosure.

In wet locations, Sec. 406.9(B)(1) requires 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V rated receptacles to be installed in an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not an attachment plug is inserted. Where these receptacles are installed in damp or wet locations, they must be identified as being a weather-resistant (WR) type of receptacle. If an outlet box hood is used for these applications, the hood must be rated “extra duty.” It appears part of the hood is missing from this cover. A broken cover would be a violation of Sec. 110.12(B), which states in part that “there shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect the safe operation” of the equipment.

‘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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