Ecmweb 6021 Illustrated Code Catastrophes Jan 2014 Pr
Ecmweb 6021 Illustrated Code Catastrophes Jan 2014 Pr
Ecmweb 6021 Illustrated Code Catastrophes Jan 2014 Pr
Ecmweb 6021 Illustrated Code Catastrophes Jan 2014 Pr
Ecmweb 6021 Illustrated Code Catastrophes Jan 2014 Pr

Illustrated Catastrophes: 240.81, 240.33, 110.14(A), 110.14, 250.8, 300.5(A), Table 300.5, 352.10(H)

Jan. 20, 2014
More Code catastrophes uncovered and corrected in these faulty installations

All references are based on the 2014 edition of the NEC.

Which Way is Up?

The first violation to focus on is the top row of circuit breakers. In accordance with 240.81, vertically operated circuit breaker handles are required to be “up” when switched into the “on” position. These circuit breaker handles are “down” in the “on” position. The bottom row of breakers was installed in the correct position. One solution that would have permitted both rows of breakers would have been to rotate this enclosure 90° so that all of the circuit breaker handles operated horizontally rather than vertically. This would be permitted in accordance with 240.33.

The next problem with this installation is at the top left of the panel. The foot-lug terminal used for all the equipment grounding conductors is stuffed with far too many wires. Terminals designed for more than one conductor are required to be identified as such in accordance with 110.14(A). The same foot-lug also contains both copper and aluminum wires in the same terminal. This is a violation of 110.14 because devices identified for intermixing conductors of dissimilar metals should have been used in this situation.

Lastly, in violation of 250.8, a sheet metal screw was used to secure the foot-lug to the cabinet.

Heave-Ho!

This underground PVC run is self-destructing because it was not installed properly. Couplings have come apart, sections of pipe are separating, and the conductors are now exposed. The broken pipes can fill with water, which can freeze in the winter and cause more cracking and separation. In addition to being a tripping hazard, the exposed 208V wires are a shock hazard.

Section 300.5(A) directs us to Table 300.5. This PVC installation is found in Column 3 of the Table. The correct cover depth of 18 in. for this pipe installation is found in the top row of Column 3, under the heading: “All locations not specified below.” This pipe was only buried a few inches deep, which allowed the earth cover to wash away from heavy rains and frost heaves to push it right out of the ground.

In the background, there is another Code violation. The PVC box near the light pole is supported only by the PVC pipes connected at the bottom to the box. Section 352.10(H) permits PVC to support conduit bodies but not boxes.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

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