Ecmweb 5503 Wwh
Ecmweb 5503 Wwh
Ecmweb 5503 Wwh
Ecmweb 5503 Wwh
Ecmweb 5503 Wwh

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Conversion diversion

April 16, 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. Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2011 NEC.

Hint: Conversion diversion

‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’
Using the 2011 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win a $50 American Express gift card. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win.

February Winners

I received a ton of great responses for this photo. Thank you to all our readers! Our winners this month include: Nate Derave from Algae Energy USA in Cumming, Ga.; Ifor C. Santiago, a project manager with ICI Engineers, Inc., in Walnut, Calif.; and Chris Schmidt, an estimator with Harold E. Nutter, Inc., in Sacramento, Calif.

Installing ENT outside in the sun is a violation of 362.12(8), unless the ENT is specifically identified as “sunlight resistant.” This ENT was brittle/broken and definitely not designed to be installed in the sun. The use of black electrical tape as a means to join two sections of ENT would also be a violation of 362.48, unless approved by the AHJ. Because couplings are made for this specific purpose, the AHJ would probably prefer a coupling rather than black tape. In accordance with 362.24, bends must be made so that the ENT will not be damaged as it was here. Drilling out the cover of the short radius PVC conduit body in order to connect the ENT is a violation of 352.6 and 110.3(B), since there are no instructions, labels, or listings that would permit it. This is also a violation of 314.16(C)(3), considering the fact that there is not enough free space to accommodate all of the conductors enclosed in the conduit body.

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.