All references are based on the 2014 edition of the NEC.
A Not-So-Weatherproof Box
I guess the person servicing this installation thought that wrapping the whole thing in electrical tape would simply make all the problems disappear. But then I showed up with my camera and exposed this blunder! No amount of electrical tape can fix what’s ailing this arrangement.
The broken cord connectors no longer provide the proper protection and strain relief needed for these cords, as required by Sec. 400.10. A damaged cord could create a shock and fire hazard. The broken connectors also allow water to seep into the box — a violation of Sec. 314.15.
The most likely reason for all of the tape around the box is the mounting screws for the cover have probably rusted and snapped off in the box. Trying to reuse this broken box creates a violation of Sec. 110.12(B), since it certainly adversely affects the safe operation of this equipment.
This box is also not supported correctly because a set screw connector was used to secure the RMC to the box instead of threading the RMC directly into the box, as required by Sec. 314.23(E).
An Appalling Pole Pipe
The lack of proper support for this pipe and the swaying of this pole have broken the conduit body and caused the pipe to snap away from the pole. These broken and damaged parts create a violation of Sec. 110.12(B), since the safe operation of this circuit has been compromised. To prevent too much stress and strain on pipe and fittings, Sec. 344.30(A)(1) requires rigid metal conduit (RMC) to be securely fastened within 3 ft of the conduit termination. There were no such supports on this pipe.
The cover for the conduit body is being held on by a cable tie because the screws were completely rusted and snapped off, leaving no way to secure the cover. This is a violation of Sec. 110.12(B) and Sec. 314.15 because this conduit body can no longer prevent water from entering it.
Section 410.30(B)(2) states, “Where raceway risers or cable is not installed within the pole, a threaded fitting or nipple shall be brazed, welded or attached to the pole to the opposite the handhole for the supply connections.” This is another problem found with this installation.
