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: Two connectors are better than one
Find the Answer
One of EC&M’s loyal readers, Gary Hillis, was kind enough to share this photo with us. Apparently, this installer wanted to make doubly sure this cable was connected to the box, so he installed two different connectors. Unfortunately, neither is doing a very good job of securing the cable to the box. What we end up with are violations of several sections of the 2014 NEC.
First of all, 314.17(B) requires a raceway or cable installed with metal boxes or conduit bodies to be secured to the metal box or conduit body. Section 300.10 requires the electrical continuity of metal cables to be ensured by metallically joining the cable armor to the metal enclosure to form one continuous electrical conductor and to be connected so as to provide effective electrical continuity. That obviously did not happen here.
The missing receptacle cover creates a shock hazard by leaving energized terminals exposed. This is a violation of Sec. 110.27(A), since those terminals are energized at more than 50V — and could be accidentally contacted. The missing cover also violates the requirements of Sec. 314.25, which requires a cover or faceplate to be installed on boxes for a completed installation. The bottom mounting screw for the receptacle appears to have been replaced with a hex-head screw, which could also be a violation of 406.5 if it is not a 6-32 threaded screw.