Home > National Electrical Code > What's Wrong Here?

What's Wrong Here?

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

Answer:

Hint: Is this a new 590 B.C. fossil?

Rebecca Ashley, an electrical engineer with Henderson Mill in Parshall, Colo., cited the following sections of the Code when reviewing the February photograph.

“110.3(A)(1) — This equipment is not listed for this application.
“110.3(A)(4) — Duct tape being used to insulate the conductors is not acceptable.
“110.3(A)(7) — This receptacle is not classified for this use.
“110.3(A)(8) — This application is not safe for persons coming in contact with this equipment.
“110.3(B) — This equipment is not listed and labeled for this use (UL 498).
“590.6(A) — A GFCI would be a lifesaver in this application, either tripping because of the moisture or when the user completed the circuit.
“406.4 — Receptacles shall be mounted in boxes or assemblies designed for the purpose.”

David Furi, a master electrician/foreman with Lakepointe Electric in Sterling Heights, Mich., added this to the mix. “It appears that someone has removed the receptacle end of an extension cord set and replaced it with a grounding type duplex receptacle and insulated it with duct tape. The violation is under the 2005 NEC Sec. 590.6(B)(2)(a). It is also an OSHA violation because this cord set should have been tagged and removed from service on the job site.”

Joel Van Ravenswaay, an electrician at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., injected some humor into his response. “It looks like the ground isn't moist enough to efficiently grow outlets from seed! Or it could be violations of….

“406.8 — receptacles placed in damp or wet locations need a box that meets the environment.
“210.8 — need GFCI protection, assuming this is an outside installation.
“590.4 — Temporary installations…. This is most likely the culprit, a cutoff extension cord on a construction site for temp power.

“But it looks like there are remnants of duct tape in the dirt, so give them some credit. If you can't do it right, duct tape it!”