Ecmweb 7889 Codewatchnov19
Ecmweb 7889 Codewatchnov19
Ecmweb 7889 Codewatchnov19
Ecmweb 7889 Codewatchnov19
Ecmweb 7889 Codewatchnov19

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Splicing Fail

Nov. 19, 2015
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: “Free-air” splicing fail

Find the Answer

This installer created some dangerous conditions. The equipment ground wire in the SE cable coming out of the wall is just folded back and not connected to anything. This leaves the HVAC equipment un-bonded and ungrounded. This is a real shock and fire hazard.

Section 250.4(A)(2) requires this equipment to be grounded in order to limit the voltage to ground on this equipment. Section 250.4(A)(3) requires this equipment to be bonded in a manner that creates a low impedance ground-fault current path. Neither was accomplished by this installer.

Splicing the wires in free- air is a violation of Sec. 300.15. Splices for cables must be made in boxes, cabinets, or equipment enclosures.

Another problem is the lack of protection for these conductors. As required by Sec. 310.10, single conductors must be installed in a Chapter 3 wiring method such as cables or raceways.

One more problem I want to point out is the lack of a disconnecting means for this air-handler. Section 422.31(C) generally requires a disconnecting means to be installed within sight of this appliance. The only disconnect for this appliance was a circuit breaker in a panelboard located in another room. And there was no means for locking out the breaker.

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.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.