Ecmweb 4808 511ecmwwhpic2big
Ecmweb 4808 511ecmwwhpic2big
Ecmweb 4808 511ecmwwhpic2big
Ecmweb 4808 511ecmwwhpic2big
Ecmweb 4808 511ecmwwhpic2big

What's Wrong Here?

Nov. 7, 2005
Hint: Which one of these covers meets the Code?

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. Joe Tedesco, who has a knack for finding shoddy electrical work, did the dirty work and found this mess. Now it's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: Which one of these covers meets the Code?

Find the Answer

Answer:

Hint: Which one of these covers meets the Code?

The answer is, neither one. The 2005 NEC added a definition for handhold enclosures to cover a new rule added to Art. 314. The definition reads as follows: “An enclosure identified for use in underground systems, provided with an open or closed bottom, and sized to allow personnel to reach into, but not enter, for the purpose of installing, operating, or maintaining equipment or wiring or both."

The specific violation with the installation shown in the top photo is the metal cover has no means of attachment to the handhole enclosure (because of the missing screws). This installation violates the requirement in 314.30(D), which states the cover must weigh more than 100 pounds before it can be installed without a feature that allows you to use a tool to open it. So why doesn’t the cover with the screws comply with the Code? Although this cover is securely fastened in place, it doesn’t meet another requirement of 314.30(D), which states the cover must have an identifying mark or logo that prominently identifies the function of the enclosure.

In addition to the violations noted above, there’s a good chance that neither of these installations meets the bonding requirements of 250.96(A). To meet this requirement, a bonding jumper must be attached to the covers. Although we can’t see inside these enclosures, there’s a good chance the jumper isn’t there.

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About the Author

Joe Tedesco

Tedesco served the industry in many roles during his career. He was a director, senior electrical code instructor for National Technology Transfer, Inc. and American Trainco, Inc.. He was also a codes, standards and seminar specialist for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors and an electrical field service specialist for the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass. He ran his own business as an NEC consultant and is a Massachusetts licensed master electrician and journeyman electrician and certified electrical inspector (one and two family 2A; General 2B, and Plan Review, 2C). Tedesco also wrote articles for CEE News and EC&M (Code Violations Illustrated and What's Wrong Here?) for more than 15 years and helped launched the Moving Violations video series.

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