Ecmweb 7886 Nec Code Catastrophes 1115 Pr
Ecmweb 7886 Nec Code Catastrophes 1115 Pr
Ecmweb 7886 Nec Code Catastrophes 1115 Pr
Ecmweb 7886 Nec Code Catastrophes 1115 Pr
Ecmweb 7886 Nec Code Catastrophes 1115 Pr

Illustrated Catastrophes: Scary Sauna Switches

Nov. 16, 2015
More Code catastrophes uncovered and corrected in these faulty installations

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

Scary Sauna Switches

A big “thank you” goes to Jim Marxen, a journeyman electrician with Wired Electric of Maple Lake, Minn., for sharing this photo with us. Marxen said, “This is what I found when I was going to disconnect a makeshift sauna. You cannot tell from the picture, but to connect the breakers to incoming power, the previous ‘electrician’ bent over 14-gauge wires and pushed them into the bus slots. Is this a new wiring method?”

Well, circuit breakers were certainly not designed to be installed or used in this manner. Therefore, this installation clearly violates Sec. 110.3(B). I also don’t think these installation methods are recognized as suitable by the Code, as indicated in Sec. 110.8.

The lack of mechanical continuity of the raceway creates a violation of Sec. 300.12. Section 348.30 requires this flexible metal conduit (FMC) to be securely fastened in place. This FMC is just flapping in the wind.

In addition, these circuit breakers are not protected from damage by being installed in an appropriate enclosure, cabinet, or assembly, as required by

Sec. 240.30(A). These circuit breakers should have been installed in a panelboard or a switchboard rather than just sticking them in a plastic box designed for yoke-mounted devices such as a receptacle or snap switch.

Appalling Panel

Another big “thank you” goes to Chris Hill of H&H Electric, LLC in Douglas, Wyo., for sharing these two photos with us. According to Hill, “One of our journeyman electricians came across this installation on a service call. I think the readers of EC&M would enjoy finding all of the Code violations. There’s a bunch of them.” Yes, there are.

The photo on the right shows the wiring coming directly through the floor with no raceway or any type of protection. This is a serious violation of Sec. 310.10, which requires these single conductors to be installed in a Chapter 3 wiring method such as electrical metallic tubing (EMT), rigid metal conduit (RMC), or other types of raceways or cables that could provide some protection for the wires.

The missing panel cover creates a serious shock hazard since it leaves energized parts exposed to accidental contact. This is a dangerous violation of Sec. 110.27.

The photo below reveals the aluminum feeder wires were too big for the terminals so the installer trimmed some of the strands. Mixing aluminum and copper in the same terminal violates

Sec. 110.14 unless the terminals are specifically designed for it. Installing more than one conductor in each terminal violates Sec. 110.14(B).

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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