Ecmweb 5681 Wwh
Ecmweb 5681 Wwh
Ecmweb 5681 Wwh
Ecmweb 5681 Wwh
Ecmweb 5681 Wwh

What's Wrong Here? Two for the Price of One

Aug. 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: Two for the price of one.

‘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.

June Winners

Our three winners this month were: David Dobson, owner of David’s Electrical, Lanett, Ala.; Pierce Morgan, lead facilities electrician, Hewitt N.J.; and Master Sargent James E. Mathews, site support electrical manager, Colorado Springs, Colo. They were all able to correctly cite the violations associated with this air-conditioner equipment installation.
According to 110.8 of the 2011 NEC, only recognized, suitable wiring methods can be used for electrical installations. Those white plumbing-type PVC elbows may be great for carrying water, but trying to pull wires through those sharp bends could be a nightmare. Section 352.24 explains that bends must be made in PVC conduit so the radius of the curve is not less than that shown in Table 2 of Chapter 9. According to Table 2, bends in ¾-in. PVC conduit must be made so the radius of the curve is at least 4½ in. to the centerline of the conduit. The sharp bends in the plumbing fittings are clearly a violation of this requirement. Wires pulled through those fittings could easily be damaged as they get pulled around the corners.

I would also like to point out the lack of a disconnecting means. Trust me when I say it’s nowhere to be found. This is a violation of 440.14, which requires the disconnecting means to be readily accessible and located in sight from the air-conditioning equipment.

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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