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What's Wrong Here?

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

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: Rusty exit

May Winners

“The installation appears to be in violation of 334.17, which gives reference to 300.4,” says Kevin Wise, a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 665 in Eaton Rapids, Mich.

300.4(D) notes that where installed parallel to framing members (such as studs) cable shall be installed and supported so that its nearest outside surface is not less than 1½ inches from the nearest edge of the framing member, where nails or screws are likely to penetrate. Where this isn't possible, a steel plate 1/16-inch thick may be used.

In addition to citing 300.4, Suku Baskaran, an engineering intern with John Searcy and Associates in Jacksonville, Fla., also made reference to 110.12 (Mechanical Execution of Work), which states, “Electrical equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner.”

Danny Branneman, a journeyman inside wireman with IBEW Local 16 in Evansville, Ind., currently employed with Sterling Boiler and Mechanical, Inc., identified the same two violations as noted above and added this one. As per 334.30, “Cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as to not damage the cable.”

‘TELL THEM WHAT THEY'VE WON…’

Using the 2008 NEC, 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.