Ecmweb 12974 Code Watch Wwh Water Collection Unit 0
Ecmweb 12974 Code Watch Wwh Water Collection Unit 0
Ecmweb 12974 Code Watch Wwh Water Collection Unit 0
Ecmweb 12974 Code Watch Wwh Water Collection Unit 0
Ecmweb 12974 Code Watch Wwh Water Collection Unit 0

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Water Collection Unit

March 16, 2017
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: Water collection unit

Find the Answer

I think this installer misunderstood the requirements of Sec. 225.22, which requires exterior raceways installed on buildings or structures to be arranged to drain. This one looks as though it is arranged to collect water instead.

Using a set-screw type LB conduit body in this outdoor wet location defeats the intent of that requirement. Section 314.15 requires a conduit body installed in a wet location to be listed for use in a wet location. This one simply is not.

If the raceway and the conduit body are not suitable for this wet location, I wonder if the installer even gave a thought about choosing the correct type of wire for this location. Section 300.9 informs us that the insulated wires inside of this raceway must comply with the requirements of Sec. 310.10(C). That section of the Code requires conductors in wet locations to have a moisture-impervious metal-sheath, or be types MTW, RHW, RHW-2, TW, THW, THW-2, THHW, THWN, THWN-2, XHHW, XHHW-2, ZW, or another type listed for use in wet locations.

We can only hope that any moisture that has entered the raceway does not make its way to a panelboard or some other enclosure where it could make contact with energized parts. That could be disastrous.

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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