A Whole-Lotta-Wrong
I’m not quite sure where to begin with this one because there is so much wrong. Perhaps the most dangerous violation is the way in which the MC cable is wired into this box. In violation of Sec. 330.30(A), the cable jacket was not cut cleanly and was just peeled back, leaving jagged metal edges in contact with the conductors. This could easily damage the insulation and cause a short circuit. The lack of a connector on the cable is also dangerous because there is no electrical continuity established between the metal box and the metal cable jacket. This lack of continuity is a violation of Sec. 300.10.
The use of EMT to support the box violates Sec. 358.12(5). Similarly, Sec. 314.23(E) has been violated because that section requires the use of conduit threaded wrenchtight into threaded entries or special hubs when supporting a box with a raceway. The misuse of a cable tie to support the EMT raceway is a violation of Sec. 110.3(B). Even its name indicates that “cable tie” is not the correct supporting means for a “raceway.”
Lastly is the lackadaisical way in which the installer attempted to install a cover on the box, violating the intent of Sec. 314.25 in the process.
Hickory, Dickory, Dock...
The circuit breaker tripped when this poor guy came into contact with the energized contacts on the back of the time clock. He stood no chance of surviving. The reason he was able to get inside this enclosure was because one of the knockouts was missing and never closed up — a clear violation of the requirements of Sec. 110.12(A). It also created some safety concerns when the circuit breaker tripped, which plunged the busy parking lot into complete darkness. Thankfully, the presence of the mouse and the short circuit he caused did not lead to a worse situation, such as a fire caused by arcing and sparking.
In accordance with Sec. 110.12(B), I needed to replace the time clock because it was damaged. The installation of a simple and inexpensive knockout seal could have prevented this entire situation from happening in the first place.
