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 2014 NEC.
Hint: Two-for-one sale
August Winner
Our lone winner this month was David Hartwig, P.E., Hartwig Engineering, Inc., Goodyear, Ariz. He was able to correctly identify several Code violations in this photo, including Sec. 300.7(B), which requires expansion fittings to be installed on raceways “where necessary to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction.”
Section 352.44 specifically requires expansion fittings for PVC raceways where the length change from thermal expansion and contraction “is expected to be ¼ in. or greater in a straight run between securely mounted items,” such as boxes and other equipment. In addition, the improper spacing of the PVC clips is a violation of Table 352.30, which requires ½-in. through 1-in. PVC raceways to be secured at least every 3 ft. This improper clip spacing is another contributing factor to the sagging and wavy pipes.
The missing covers for the conduit bodies violate the intent of Sec. 314.25. The PVC pipes that are separated at the coupling are a violation of Sec. 300.12, since this pipe is no longer continuous between enclosures. And the overall lack of effort here is a violation of the neat and workmanlike requirements in Sec. 110.12.