What is in this article?:
- What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Don't Blow a Gasket
- Find the Answer
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?
Find the Answer
The rusty cover is one indication of the problems with this installation. In accordance with the deteriorating agents requirements outlined in 110.11, equipment shall be permitted to be located in damp or wet locations only if identified for use in the operating environment. The 4-in. octagonal box cover used here is not specifically designed for this wet location.
In accordance with the requirements of 300.6 [Protection Against Corrosion and Deterioration], "raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall be of materials suitable for the environment in which they are to be installed." As further clarified in 300.6(A), equipment such as ferrous metal boxes, fittings, supports, support hardware and raceways, "shall be suitably protected against corrosion inside and outside (except threads at joints) by a coating of approved corrosion-resistant material." Section 314.15 specifically requires the use of boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings "listed for use in wet locations" where installed in wet locations. 314.15 also requires, boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings installed in damp or wet locations to "be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture from entering or accumulating within the box, conduit body, or fitting." The lack of a gasketed-type cover for this box would allow moisture and water to enter the enclosure, and cause damage to the enclosed conductors and any splices.
