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What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Bad Bonding Decision

Jan. 23, 2014
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: Bad bonding decision

Find the Answer

The bonding conductor for this building’s communications circuit was incorrectly attached to a foot-lug, which was then secured to a cover screw on this metal junction box. Although 800.100 does require bonding between the power system and the communication system, it does not permit this type of connection.

Section 800.100(B)(2) provides seven options for establishing this bonding/grounding connection in a building with a grounding means, but without an intersystem bonding termination. These options include attaching this bonding conductor to:

• the building’s grounding electrode system, or

• the first 5 ft of the grounded interior metal water piping system, or

• external connections to power service enclosures, or

• non-flexible metal service raceways, or

• the grounding electrode conductor or its metal enclosure.

Any bonding device terminal installed shall not interfere with opening an enclosure, nor shall it be mounted on a door or cover. This junction box may be grounded but is not part of the service equipment. It contains only branch circuit conductors. Ironically, the power service equipment was located in the same room as the communication service just a little further down the wall from this junction box. But the installer decided to take a shortcut, which led to this Code violation.

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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