Ecmweb 6225 4 10 14whatswrongherepromo
Ecmweb 6225 4 10 14whatswrongherepromo
Ecmweb 6225 4 10 14whatswrongherepromo
Ecmweb 6225 4 10 14whatswrongherepromo
Ecmweb 6225 4 10 14whatswrongherepromo

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Beware of What Lurks Below the Surface

April 10, 2014
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: Beware of what lurks below the surface.

Find the Answer

Lurking beneath the top row of conduit and conduit bodies is another row of conduit and conduit bodies. This makes me wonder how we could ever get to the wiring inside the bottom conduit bodies.

I believe this bottom row violates the intent of Sec. 314.29 of the 2014 NEC, which requires boxes, conduit bodies and handhole enclosures to be installed in a way that the wiring inside of them can be accessed without removing any part of the building or structure. The top row of conduit would need to be removed in order to gain adequate access to the bottom conduit bodies. This would not be an easy task, especially considering the large size of this RMC, which is threaded together.

Some of you may argue that the conduit is not “part of the building or structure.” Therefore, the rules of 314.29 have not been violated. I guess it would depend on your interpretation as to what constitutes “part of the building or structure.” Nonetheless, the bottom row of conduit bodies is not presently accessible and I believe the intent of 314.29 has been violated.

What’s your interpretation?

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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