Ecmweb 5862 Wwh
Ecmweb 5862 Wwh
Ecmweb 5862 Wwh
Ecmweb 5862 Wwh
Ecmweb 5862 Wwh

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Knot approved by the Board

Nov. 15, 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: Knot approved by the Board

‘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 gift check. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win.

September Winners

Our three winners this month were: Jim Gavin, owner of Gavin Electric in Burlington, Mass.; Kevin Lopez, an electrical engineer with the U.S. Army IMCOM, B3002 Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.; and Mike Wendt, a maintenance electrician with BrassCraft in Lancaster, Texas. They all correctly identified the Code violations at this box and lamp location.

The last sentence in Sec. 314.17(B) makes it clear that where cables are used with metal boxes, the cable is required to be secured to the box. In this particular installation, the installer completely ignored the existing knockouts and cable clamps in the box on the right and simply sandwiched the NM cable between the box and its cover. This may have been faster and easier, but it also created some Code violations and safety concerns. The sharp edge on the box could easily damage the pinched cable and cause arcing, sparking, and even a fire. Section 334.30 also requires NM cable to be secured within 12 in. of each outlet box. We could also say that using the cover as a way to secure the NM cable to the box is a violation of 300.15 because the cover is not a fitting designed for securing NM type cable.

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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