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: Communications breakdown
Find the Answer
Nice try by this installer, but I think they came up short when it comes to properly bonding and grounding this telephone communications system.
This building had no intersystem bonding termination point installed at the electrical service, as now required by Sec. 250.94. Even before this rule was added to the NEC, however, Sec. 800.100(B)(2) has several requirements when there is no intersystem bonding termination point. The requirements are as follows: The bonding or grounding electrode conductor for the communication system shall be connected to the nearest of the following accessible points:
1) the building’s grounding electrode system,
2) the first 5 ft of the grounded interior metal water pipe,
3) an external means at the power service enclosure,
4) a power service raceway,
5) the service equipment enclosure,
6) the power service grounding electrode or its enclosure, or
7) the power service grounding electrode conductor.
Nowhere does it permit the use of a branch circuit raceway to be used as the grounding and bonding point for the communication service.
Ironically, the power service was installed in the same room, but the installer took a shortcut and used the EMT for this light switch instead of going a little bit farther down the wall and connecting to the service raceways or service enclosures, as required.