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.