Ecmweb 5564 5 22 13wwhweb 0
Ecmweb 5564 5 22 13wwhweb 0
Ecmweb 5564 5 22 13wwhweb 0
Ecmweb 5564 5 22 13wwhweb 0
Ecmweb 5564 5 22 13wwhweb 0

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Shallow Expectations

May 23, 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: Shallow expectations

Find the Answer

It's fairly easy to see why these UF type cables feature several splices. They are not buried anywhere near the depth needed to meet Code requirements and keep them out of harm's way.

Section 300.5 of the 2011 NEC requires direct-buried cables to be installed with the minimum cover requirements shown in Table 300.5. For this installation of 208V circuits, the installer should have referenced Column 1. Since the location of these cables is not one of the specific locations described in the lower portion of the Table, we would need to use the top row of Column 1 to determine how deep these cables should be buried.

The minimum depth required for theses UF cables is 24 in. However, the cables in this photo are buried only a few inches below the grass. This lack of depth leaves these cables within striking distance of lawn aerating equipment and gardening tools. These cables are also subject to ground movement from frost heaves and many other possible sources of damage. More importantly, the damaged cables can create a real shock hazard to people walking or playing on the grass in this area.

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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