Ecmweb 5536 050613wwhweb
Ecmweb 5536 050613wwhweb
Ecmweb 5536 050613wwhweb
Ecmweb 5536 050613wwhweb
Ecmweb 5536 050613wwhweb

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Floating Free

May 9, 2013
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: Floating free

Find the Answer

My customer uncovered this surprise while performing a renovation on his house. The hollow space between the studs was being used as a splice box. Generally, whenever splices or junctions are  made — or an outlet, switch, termination point, or pull point is installed —  a real box must be installed in accordance with 300.15.

For temporary wiring on construction sites, Sec. 590.4(J) permits splices or junctions to be made in multiconductor cord or cable type wiring methods without the use of a box, provided however, the continuity of the equipment grounding conductor is maintained even without the use of a box. While this area could be defined as a construction site, the splices we found in the walls were in no way part of a temporary wiring arrangement. This was permanent wiring for the house that was simply buried in the wall. There are some other installations described in 300.15(A) through (L) that would not require the use of a box, however, none of those sections are applicable to this situation.

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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