Ecmweb 5184 101812wwhweb
Ecmweb 5184 101812wwhweb
Ecmweb 5184 101812wwhweb
Ecmweb 5184 101812wwhweb
Ecmweb 5184 101812wwhweb

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Orange Crush

Oct. 18, 2012
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: Orange crush

Find the Answer

This photo shows where someone thought it would be okay to attach orange communication raceway (orange ENT) to a group of previously existing raceways with cable ties — in a school cafeteria, no less!

According to 800.24, communications circuits and equipment need to be "installed in a neat and workmanlike manner." Based on the uneven look of this ENT, that's definitely debatable here. This section of the Code also requires the installation to conform to 300.4(D) and 300.11.

Section 300.11(A)requires raceways to be "securely fastened in place." The ENT may be secure, but according to 300.11(B), "raceways shall be used only as a means of support for other raceways, cables, or nonelectrical equipment where the raceway or means of support is identified for the purpose, or where the raceway contains power supply conductors for electrically controlled equipment and is used to support Class 2 circuits that are solely for the purpose of connection to the equipment control circuits, or where the raceway is used to support boxes or luminaires." The existing EMT is not designed to support other raceways.

> Try Another Quiz

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.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.