Ecmweb 6173 3 20 14wwhpromo
Ecmweb 6173 3 20 14wwhpromo
Ecmweb 6173 3 20 14wwhpromo
Ecmweb 6173 3 20 14wwhpromo
Ecmweb 6173 3 20 14wwhpromo

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Funny Looking Service Disconnect

March 20, 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: Funny looking service disconnect

Find the Answer

Section 250.94 of the 2014 NEC requires an intersystem bonding termination for bonding of other systems to be installed external to enclosures at the service equipment, metering equipment or building disconnecting means. Although the branch circuit supplying this receptacle and its enclosure are none of those things, it’s still a violation.

The intersystem bonding termination shall comply with the following:
1) be accessible
2) allow for connection of at least 3 bonding conductors
3) not interfere with opening of enclosures
4) be securely mounted and bonded to metallic service equipment or metering enclosures or be installed at one of these enclosures and bonded with a minimum 6 AWG conductor to the enclosure or GEC
5) be securely mounted and bonded to the building disconnecting means or be installed at one of these enclosures and bonded with a minimum 6 AWG conductor to the enclosure or GEC
6) The terminals must be listed for grounding and bonding.

According to the Exception, an intersystem bonding termination is not required for existing buildings. An accessible external means shall be permitted at service equipment and building disconnecting means by one or more of the following:
1) an exposed nonflexible service raceway
2) an exposed GEC
3) other approved means for externally bonding to the GEC, grounded  raceway or equipment.

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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