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What's Wrong Here?

Aug 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: A new form of sleep disorder

June Winners

Our three winners this month were: Jamie McNamara, a member of IBEW Local Union No. 110 in Hastings, Minn.; Nick Judy of Realty Electric, LLC in Tucker, Ga.; and Rick Harrahill, a journeyman electrician with Jorgensen Electric in Palmer, Neb. Here's a list of the Code sections they noted were being violated.

• 110.3(B) — the extension cord violates the installation instructions of the equipment.

• 400.7(A) — flexible cords and cables shall be used only for the following: (8) Appliances, where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair, and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection.

• 400.8 — unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following: (1) as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure, (7) where subject to physical damage.

• 422.16(A) — flexible cord shall be permitted: (1) for the connection of appliances to facilitate their frequent interchange or to prevent the transmission of noise or vibration, or (2) to facilitate the removal or disconnection of appliances that are fastened in place, where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance or repair and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection.

• 422.16(B) — fails to mention water heaters as permitted to be connected with a flexible cord.

‘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 tool-box. 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.

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