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What's Wrong Here?

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

Can you spot the Code violations?

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: Yes, the wires are still hot!

August Winners

Bill Roberts, an operations manager with Castellaw Electric Co. in Jonesboro, Ga., noted the following violations. “Sec. 300.11(A) says the box shall be securely fastened in place, and 350.12 notes LFMC can't be used when subject to physical damage. In addition, only approved connectors shall be used for LFMC. Also, using the pole as a raceway may be acceptable per 410.15(B), but using it in this manner is not what was intended. The extension cord is misused and is not an approved wiring method for this application because 400.4 states that flexible cords shall be suitable for the conditions of use and location.”

Tim Ranes, Winnebago Industries in Forest City, Iowa, sent in these comments. “The bell box is not supported adequately. In addition, the liquidtight is not supported correctly. Liquidtight can't be installed where subjected to physical damage. It appears that one end pulled out of a fitting — or probably never had one. Flexible extension cords in liquidtight conduit are not permissible either. Also, the cord and plug is buried in earth, which is not acceptable.”

In addition to similar comments noted above, Bill Haire, an electrical design specialist with CH2M Hill in Knoxville, Tenn., stated, “We can also cite the following rules as being violated: Sections 110.3(B), 110.12, 300.4, 300.18(A), and 314.15(A).”

‘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.