Ecmweb 8631 11 17 16wwhpromo
Ecmweb 8631 11 17 16wwhpromo
Ecmweb 8631 11 17 16wwhpromo
Ecmweb 8631 11 17 16wwhpromo
Ecmweb 8631 11 17 16wwhpromo

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Falling to Pieces

Nov. 17, 2016
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

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: Falling to pieces

Find the Answer

I found this located along a walkway at a vacation resort. I would imagine that this installation was initially intact and operating safely, but broken pipes and a damaged box have left these wires exposed and vulnerable to physical damage, sunlight damage, and water saturation. This broken box can greatly elevate the shock hazard to people in the area.

Section 110.12(B) states that there shall not be any broken or damaged parts that could “adversely affect the safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment” such as parts that are broken, bent, or cut. I would say that this installation now falls into the “Code violation” category.

Section 352.10(F) tells us that PVC conduit installed in areas exposed to physical damage must be of a type identified for the use. Generally, this means Schedule 80 PVC should be used instead of Schedule 40 PVC in these areas.

Section 300.5(D)(4) also requires Schedule 80 PVC to be used where PVC raceways emerge from the ground and are exposed to physical damage.

I think some repairs are needed in order to get this installation back to being Code-compliant and safe.

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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