What's Wrong Here?

Feb 21, 2008 10:34 AM, By Joe Tedesco, NEC Columnist

Hint: Strange supports

I found this luminaire on Newbury street in Boston. It’s quite obvious that improper methods and materials were used to support it on a box exposed to the outside elements. The raceway feeding this luminaire was rusted away, which left an installation waiting to become an accident.

The Code includes many rules that would prohibit this type of sub-standard installation. For instance, see Art. 410 Luminaires, Lampholders, and Lamps. In addition, we can reference the requirements noted in 110.12, which states “Electrical equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. FPN: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA 1-2006, Standard Practices for Good Workmanship in Electrical Contracting, and other ANSI-approved installation standards.”

As per 110.12(B), “Internal parts of electrical equipment, including bus bars, wiring terminals, insulators, and other surfaces, shall not be damaged or contaminated by foreign materials such as paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues. There shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment such as parts that are broken; bent; cut; or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating.”