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What's Wrong Here?

Sep 8, 2005 10:59 AM, By Joe Tedesco

Answer:

Dick Statham, an instructor with GTCC, Jamestown, N.C., sent us this photo and commentary.

“The two attached photos are of a pump installed last year when—due to water restrictions—the city wouldn't let people water their lawns. A local well company went around town installing this type of set-up at a number of businesses. I found this installation at a new drugstore that we use.

“Most of the pumps have covers on them, but this one was missing. I wonder what is inside the ones that are covered? Since I took the photo an inspector had this problem taken care of. Apparently the wells were drilled after the building was occupied, and a permit was not taken out so the job wasn't inspected.

“Look close and you'll see exposed conductors between the pressure switch and the pump and between the pressure switch and the ‘disconnect’ in the NEMA 1 box.”

This is some evidence of nonconforming wiring methods. This pump motor installation violates rules in Chapter 2, 3 and 4 of the NEC, especially Articles 250, 300 and 430. There are many who do this type of "bootleg" wiring and try to sneak behind the AHJ. However, they eventually get caught.

For a close-up of this picture, click here.

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