Ecmweb 5577 6 2 13wwhweb
Ecmweb 5577 6 2 13wwhweb
Ecmweb 5577 6 2 13wwhweb
Ecmweb 5577 6 2 13wwhweb
Ecmweb 5577 6 2 13wwhweb

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Snug as a Bug

June 6, 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: Snug as a bug

Find the Answer

This NM cable is truly in harm's way. The cable could easily be damaged by a nail or a screw since it is attached snugly to the wood strapping. If the drywall installer misses his wood target by just a little, he could easily run the screw into the current-carrying conductor. Or perhaps the cable might get nicked just a little and cause a hot spot. This hot spot could eventually generate some arcing and start a fire. This is why 300.4(D) requires cables or raceways installed parallel to framing members to be installed so the cable or raceway is no closer than 1¼ in. to the nearest edge of the framing member where screws or nails are likely to penetrate.

If the 1¼ in. spacing cannot be maintained, then a 1/16-in. steel sleeve or steel plate may be used to protect the cable or raceway. For this particular installation, it would be impossible to push the cable back far enough, but it would be possible to install cable spacers or stackers and move the cable further to the right of the strapping or add furring strips on top of the 2x4 studs in order to maintain the proper 1¼ in. spacing. Installing a protective steel plate along the strapping for the entire length of the cable would be another option, but that solution seems rather impractical.

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...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

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.