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: A reciprocating saw can fix this mess.
October Winners
Our three winners this month were: Andrew Boisvert, an electrical apprentice from Billerica, Mass; Jeremy Weaver, an electrician with The Farfield Co., Lititz, Pa.; and Jeff Crick, an electrical engineer with Derrick Corp., Buffalo, N.Y. Each of the winners correctly identified several Code violations in this photo.
I think the most obvious violation is the number of circuit breakers crammed into this panel. I count at least 49 overcurrent devices in this panel, which is designed to hold no more than 42. “Twin” or “mini” breakers are often used in panels when there are no available spots to add more circuit breakers. This panel has about seven of these “twin” breakers. While some panelboards are designed to accept these kinds of devices, this panel is not. Another violation can be seen on circuits number 9 and 10. Using copper wire as a circuit breaker handle tie is a violation of several requirements in Sec. 240.15(B). Lastly, it appears black electrical tape was used to cover some openings at the bottom of the panel’s cover. Section 408.7 requires unused openings to be closed with identified closures or other approved means that can provide protection equivalent to the steel panel cover.
‘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.
