Ecmweb 5345 207ecmicpic1x
Ecmweb 5345 207ecmicpic1x
Ecmweb 5345 207ecmicpic1x
Ecmweb 5345 207ecmicpic1x
Ecmweb 5345 207ecmicpic1x

Illustrated Code Catastrophes: Sections 110.26 and 314.23(A) through (H)

July 23, 2012
More Code catastrophes uncovered in these faulty installations...

I Need My Space

The panelboard shown in this photo originally had the required workspace; however, over time, the space was taken away by the installation of the plumbing pipes and expansion tank. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common problem, because other tradespeople don’t know the electrical code requirements. 110.26 requires access and working space to be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Obviously, this space has been compromised. 110.26(A)(1) requires a minimum of 3 ft of clear working space depth in the direction of live parts. 110.26(A)(2) requires a minimum of  30 in. of width or the width of the equipment (whichever is greater) in front of the electrical equipment. 110.26(A)(3) requires the work space in front of this panel to be clear from the floor to a height of at least 6½ ft or to the height of the equipment (whichever is greater). This work space is so a worker can have some room to work safely on the energized equipment. Even if this equipment was de-energized, it would still be virtually impossible to work on it in a safe manner.

Standing Tall, But Not Proud

This junction box must be supported in accordance with one or more of the provisions in 314.23(A) through (H). In accordance with 314.23(E), an enclosure not exceeding 100 in.3 that  contains only splicing devices, does not support a luminaire(s), lampholder, or other equipment, and is supported by entering raceways, shall have threaded entries or have hubs identified for the purpose. In addition, the box shall be supported by two or more conduits threaded wrench-tight into the enclosure or hubs. Each conduit shall be secured within 3 ft of the enclosure or within 18 in. of the enclosure if all conduit entries are on the same side. The exception in 314.23(E) permits a conduit body to be supported by intermediate metal conduit, rigid metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit, reinforced thermosetting resin conduit, or electrical metallic tubing. Since the 4-in.-square box is not a conduit body, the exception is not applicable in this application. EMT and FMC are simply not permitted as a supporting means for junction 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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