What’s Wrong Here? Hint: It's as Plain as Black and White

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.

Hint: It's as plain as black and white.

‘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.)

JULY WINNERS

Our only winner this month was Matt Lippiatte, an electrical engineer with Reynolds Smith & Hills in Merritt Island, Fla. He knew there were several problems with this pool-side installation, including violations of Secs. 406.9(B), 680.22(A)(2), and 680.22(D).

• As per 406.9(B), 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V receptacles installed in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof, whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. Also, 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V nonlocking-type receptacles shall be listed weather-resistant type. The cover used here was not weatherproof while in use. Since the box is slightly recessed into the decking, it’s probably not weatherproof in this position even when it is closed, considering that it’s installed in an outside area that could flood with water during a rainstorm.
  
• All receptacles shall be not less than 6 ft from the inside walls of a pool [680.22(A)(2)]. This one is almost 6 ft, but, unfortunately, it is just too close to the pool.
  
• The speaker is also placed too close to the water. In accordance with 680.22(D), other outlets shall be located not less than 10 ft from the inside walls of the pool.