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: A bundle of bundles
Find the Answer
Communication cables are simply not permitted to be secured to the outside of this electrical metallic tubing (EMT).
Section 800.133(B) of the 2014 NEC plainly and firmly states that communication cables shall not be attached by any means to the exterior of any raceway as a means of support, with the exception of an exterior raceway-type mast for supporting overhead spans of communication cables. Because this is not a mast or an exterior raceway, it’s a Code violation.
This is a common problem that I see all too often. Installers sometimes take the easy way out and just use an existing raceway to hitch a ride for the communication wires being installed. It may be quick and easy, but it also creates a Code violation.
Another concern I would like to point out is the amount of SER feeder cables that are bundled together. While bundling itself is not a Code violation, it does have some consequences. Has the ampacity of these cable been adjusted in accordance with Sec. 310.15(B)(3)(a)? If not, the cables may not be properly protected by the overcurrent device, and they could be subjected to overheating because of the number of current-carrying conductors. Where the multi-conductor cables are installed without maintaining spacing for a continuous length longer than 24 in., the allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be reduced as shown in Table 310.15(B)(3)(a).