All references are based on the 2014 edition of the NEC.
Perilous Pier Problem
Wow! What a scary situation. This “ugly picture” was published in the June 2016 issue of the Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries newsletter “Electrical Currents.” According to the newsletter, “This disconnect switch is attached to a fixed pier. NEC 555.9 requires all electrical connections to be located at least 12 in. above the deck of a fixed pier but not below the electrical datum plane as defined in 555.2.” The datum plane for areas with tidal fluctuations is a horizontal plane 2 ft above the normal highest tide. For areas without tidal fluctuations, the datum plane is a horizontal plane 2 ft above the highest normal water level. This 480V disconnect switch has been installed in a terrible location, creating a perilous shock hazard. The water surrounding this disconnect, as well as the wet pier itself, could become energized if the water comes in contact with the energized parts inside of the disconnect. I’m not sure this disconnect switch would be considered readily accessible either as required by Sec. 404.8(A). I also don’t think the location of this disconnect will “prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet” as required by Sec. 404.4(A) and Sec. 312.2.
Egregious Enclosure Error
This cover leaves me with an empty feeling inside. Looking into this panel, we can actually see the exposed, energized main lugs. The blank-up plates, which are missing from the cover, leave this installation in a dangerous condition because the openings in the cover can easily allow fingers or tools to slip right into the panel and make contact with those energized terminals. This could be a serious problem for an unsuspecting worker, and it is a violation of Sec. 408.7, which requires unused openings in panelboard enclosures to be closed up with identified closures or some other approved means that will provide substantially the same level of protection as the wall of the enclosure. Another problem created by the missing blank-up plates is the fact that any arcs or sparks from short circuits or ground faults may now be able to easily escape the enclosure and could cause ignition of nearby combustible materials. This would create a real danger for all of the occupants of the building. Section 110.12 similarly requires unused openings other than those intended for mounting purposes or permitted as part of the equipment design, such as vent openings, to be closed to afford protection similar to the wall of the enclosure.