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What's Wrong Here?

Aug 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: Bathroom, supply closet, or electrical room?

‘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 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.)

June Winner

Our three winners this month were: Danny Batten, electrician, East Central Tech College, Nicholls, Ga.; Andrew H. “Drew” Brejda, senior electrical engineer, National Security Agency, Fort Gordon, Ga.; and Greg Eyer, facility/lab manager, ABC Training Trust, San Diego. Here are a few of the Code violations these three associated with the disappearing overhead service-drop conductors.

Overhead service-drop conductor clearances above roofs shall comply with the requirements of 230.24(A).
The point of attachment of overhead service-drop conductors to a building shall provide the minimum clearances shown in 230.9 and 230.24.
Overhead service-drop conductors shall be attached to buildings or other structures by fittings identified for this use. (230.27)
As per 230.54, “Service raceways shall be equipped with a service head at the point of connection to service-drop conductors. The service head shall comply with the requirement for fittings in 314.15.”