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? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2011 NEC.
‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’
Using the 2011 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, including your name and mailing address, to neccodeguy@hotmail.com, and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win. Winners will receive a fluorescent lighting tester from Milwaukee Tool, valued at $199. The product allows complete lamp, ballast, and pin testing, before or after install, without dismantling fixtures.
(Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of tools.)
Our winners this month include: Ken Wilcox, project manager, electrical maintenance, MAHLE Engine Components USA, Inc., Morristown, Tenn.; Brian E. Glennon, senior consultant, GLENCO, Inc., North Quincy, Mass.; and Dave Roach, electrical engineer, CD Controls, LLC, Lavonia, Ga. They all correctly identified some violations in this breaker box.
The use of white insulation for other than a grounded conductor on circuits of 50V or more is permitted in accordance with 200.7(C)(1) only if part of a cable assembly where “the insulation has been permanently reidentified by marking tape, painting, or other effective means at its termination and at each location where the conductor is visible and accessible to indicate its use as an ungrounded conductor.” In addition, 200.7(C)(2) also permits a flexible cord, having one conductor identified by a white or gray outer finish or three continuous white stripes, that is used for connecting an appliance or equipment permitted by 400.7. However, this installation is neither a cable nor a cord. It’s EMT! White wires can never be used as ungrounded conductors for this installation, even if they were re-identified (with red or black tape or paint, for example).
In addition, the sheet metal screw serving the dual purpose of securing the enclosure to the wall and for connecting the equipment grounding conductor to the enclosure is a violation of 250.8(A).