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What's Wrong Here?

Jul 1, 2009 12:00 PM

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. Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

Hint: Pandora's box

‘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 electrical.group@penton.com, and we'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-in. insulated side-cutting pliers, 10-in. insulated tongue-and-groove pliers, and a 0.25-in. × 6-in. insulated screwdriver. (* Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of tools.)

May Winners

Our three winners this month were: Glen Coury, electronics engineer, K Company, Kent, Ohio; Carl S. Johnson II, senior aviation lighting specialist, Avcon, Inc., Orlando; and Eric Dixon, electrician, Action Electric, Jonesville, Va. This group identified the following Code violations associated with the rooftop air-conditioner equipment installation.

• The disconnect switch support (a piece of wood) is not suitable for use in this application [110.3(A)(2)] because it doesn't meet “mechanical strength and durability” requirements.

• Electrical equipment should be firmly secured to the surface on which it is mounted. [110.13(A) and 300.11].

• Materials shall be protected from corrosion and deterioration (300.6) and — where exposed to sunlight — shall be listed or identified as sunlight-resistant [300.6(C)(1)].

• The liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is damaged and not supported according to 350.30(A).

Maybe the installer should have taken advantage of 440.14 and mounted the disconnect on the side of the air conditioner unit and not on a chunk of wood.

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