Ecmweb 8702 12 22 16wwhlarge
Ecmweb 8702 12 22 16wwhlarge
Ecmweb 8702 12 22 16wwhlarge
Ecmweb 8702 12 22 16wwhlarge
Ecmweb 8702 12 22 16wwhlarge

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Stairway Slip-Up

Dec. 22, 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: Stairway slip-up

Find the Answer

The MC cables passing through the floor of this stairway area are in harm’s way. They could easily be stepped on, smashed, ripped out, or crushed by people in this area. This stairway is often used by residents to bring furniture or other bulky items into their apartments, since the building does not have an elevator.

Section 330.12(1) of the 2014 NEC does not permit MC cables to be used where they are subject to physical damage. In addition, Section 300.4 requires protection for conductors, raceways or cables when they are subject to physical damage. The installer made a lame attempt at protecting these cables by tucking them behind and attaching it to the EMT connected to the panelboard enclosure. However, attaching cables to the EMT created another violation. For this installation, Sec. 300.12(B) would only allow the use of the EMT as a means of support for other raceways, cables or equipment if the EMT were specifically identified as a means of support. In any case, I think this installer took the easy way out. Installing a pipe for these circuits may have taken a little longer, but I think it would have made for a much safer installation and it would have provided a greater level of protection for the enclosed conductors.

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.