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: Replacement parts
Our three winners this month were: Brandon Meier, P.E., an electrical engineer with AREVA, Inc., in Charlotte, N.C.; Dan Breig, a retired electrical engineer in Yorba Linda, Calif.; Sterling A. Scoville, combination inspector for the city of Kerrville, Texas. They all correctly identified several bonding and grounding violations associated with this water pipe installation.
The method of connecting the grounding electrode conductor to the pipe (or brass valve fitting in this particular case) is not one of the approved means listed in 250.8(A).
The installation does not meet the requirements of 250.52(A)(1), which requires a metal underground water pipe be placed in direct contact with the earth for 3.0 m (10ft) or more, and be electrically continuous.
A hose clamp is not an approved electrical connection device (250.8 and 250.70).
There is no effective ground fault current path because the valve body is connected to PVC piping, (250.2).
Whether copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum the grounding electrode conductor material shall be resistant to any corrosive condition existing at the installation (250.62). Corrosion is clearly visible on the clamped connection and conductor.
Grounding electrode conductors shall be secured and protected against physical damage as noted in 250.64(B).