Ecmweb 6277 4 24 14wwhpromo
Ecmweb 6277 4 24 14wwhpromo
Ecmweb 6277 4 24 14wwhpromo
Ecmweb 6277 4 24 14wwhpromo
Ecmweb 6277 4 24 14wwhpromo

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Flimsy Limbs

April 24, 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: Flimsy limbs

Find the Answer

The only support provided for this 4-in. octagonal box is the ½ in. electrical metallic tubing (EMT) and the 3/8 in. flexible metallic conduit (FMC) connected to it. This is a direct violation of Sec. 314.23 of the 2014 NEC, which requires boxes to be secured with any of the provisions in Sec. 314.23(A) through (H). The only one of those sections that is even remotely close to being applicable to this installation is 314.23(E). This section of the Code requires the enclosure to have threaded entries or hubs and to have two or more conduits threaded wrench tight into the enclosure or hubs for proper support. If both of the conduits enter the same side of the enclosure, they should be secured within 3 ft of the enclosure or within 18 in. of the enclosure. Unfortunately, none of those requirements has been met.

The bottom line is EMT or FMC simply cannot be used to support a box. The Exception in 314.23(E) does, however, permit a conduit body to be supported by EMT. Using a support brace or securely mounting the box to the building or another surface would have been better than just sticking the box on the end of the EMT. I also question whether there is an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) installed in the FMC as required by Sec. 250.118(5)(d) when flexibility is needed.

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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