Illustrated Catastrophes

Aug 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Joe Tedesco, NEC Columnist

As usual, never consider the following commentary associated with these photos as a formal interpretation of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Without criticizing anyone or any product, the following scenarios present us with serious safety questions.

All references are based on the 2008 NEC.

OFF-THE-SHELF ITEM

Alan Christofk, a superintendent with Gephart Electrical Construction in Stillwater, Minn., found this unique installation at a gas station near Durant, Okla. “EMT conduit ran down the concrete pole support for the canopy, terminated in a ¾-inch shelving bracket, and ran across the concrete slab and into the gas pump,” says Christofk.

This ridiculous installation doesn't meet the requirements set forth in Art. 514, Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities. As per 514.4, “All electrical equipment and wiring installed in Class I locations, as classified in 514.3, shall comply with the applicable provisions of Article 501.” In addition, 514.7 states, “Wiring and equipment above the Class I locations as classified in 514.3 shall comply with 511.7.” Standard shelf brackets are definitely not an approved conduit for electrical conductors.

HOSE CLAMP BLUES

Philip Leonelli, owner of Greenville Electric Co., LLC, in Simpsonville, S.C., found a most unusual splice in a metal enclosure. Loose splices, taps, and connections, along with the use of products that were never designed for use with electrical equipment, help explain why this installation failed miserably.

As per 110.14, “Because of different characteristics of dissimilar metals, devices such as pressure terminal or pressure splicing connectors and soldering lugs shall be identified for the material of the conductor and shall be properly installed and used.

Conductors of dissimilar metals shall not be intermixed in a terminal or splicing connector where physical contact occurs between dissimilar conductors (such as copper and aluminum, copper and copper-clad aluminum, or aluminum and copper-clad aluminum), unless the device is identified for the purpose and conditions of use. Materials such as solder, fluxes, inhibitors, and compounds, where employed, shall be suitable for the use and shall be of a type that will not adversely affect the conductors, installation, or equipment.”

Found a Code Violation? E-mail your photos (no cell phone images, please) to Joe Tedesco at joetedesco@comcast.net