Ecmweb 5805 10 03 13whatswrongherepromo
Ecmweb 5805 10 03 13whatswrongherepromo
Ecmweb 5805 10 03 13whatswrongherepromo
Ecmweb 5805 10 03 13whatswrongherepromo
Ecmweb 5805 10 03 13whatswrongherepromo

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Torn to Pieces

Oct. 3, 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: Torn to pieces

Find the Answer

When running cables or raceways through holes drilled in wood framing members, such as joists, rafters, or studs, Sec. 300.4(A)(1) of the 2011 NEC requires the edge of the hole to be no closer than 1¼ in. to the nearest edge of the wood framing member. If this distance cannot be maintained, then 1/16-in.-thick steel plates shall be used to protect the cable or raceway from being damaged by nails or screws that may penetrate the wiring method. According to Exception No.1, steel plates are not needed to protect RMC, RNC, IMC, or EMT. Exception No. 2 permits you to use thinner steel plates if they are listed.

In this particular installation, the holes were drilled so close to the edge that the joist was ripped apart! Not only does this put the NM wiring method in harm's way, but this could also severely compromise the strength of the joist. While "weakening the building structure" is not specifically mentioned when drilling holes, it is covered in 300.4(A)(2) when making notches. The way this joist is torn apart I think it is more of a "notch" than a hole; therefore, the intent of the requirements outlined in 300.4(A)(2) should be applied. Building codes may have additional requirements and restrictions about making holes and notches in wood framing members, including the maximum size and location of the holes or notches.

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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