What's Wrong Here?

Jun 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Joe Tedesco, NEC Columnist

How well do you know the Code?

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. Joe Tedesco, who has a knack for finding shoddy electrical work, did the dirty work and found this mess. Now it's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: Conduit in the sun

April Winners

Chris Violanti, an apprentice electrician for Weber Electric, San Bruno, Calif., submitted these comments in reference to the April photo. “410.8(C) states incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant luminaires or lampholders shall not be permitted in clothes closets.” He adds, “It is hard to tell from the picture, but it looks like the fixture may be within 12 inches of the shelf. This is a violation of 410.8(D), which states an incandescent luminaire above the door or on the ceiling must have a minimum clearance of 12 inches from the nearest point of a storage space.”

In addition to citing the same two references as Violanti, Jack Huberman, owner of Comet Electric in Santa Fe, N.M., added two more comments to the mix. “Electrical equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner (110.12).” He adds, “There appears to be space between the porcelain lamp socket and the drywall ceiling.” No open spaces shall exist that are greater than 1/8 inch at the edge of the box (314.21).”

Dennis Schlitt, a senior engineer in the Electrical Engineering Group of Integrated Design Solutions in Troy, Mich., was our third winner this month, correctly referencing all of the violations noted above.

‘TELL THEM WHAT THEY'VE WON…’

Correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month's photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win something to put in your toolbox. E-mail your response to Joe Tedesco at joetedesco@comcast.net, and he'll select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Winners will receive a set of insulated hand tools from Ideal Industries, Inc. valued at more than $125.* The set includes 9.25-inch insulated side-cutting pliers, 10-inch insulated tongue-and-groove pliers, and a 0.25-inch × 6-inch insulated screwdriver.

* Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of tools.