Ecmweb 4623 Cw11111web
Ecmweb 4623 Cw11111web
Ecmweb 4623 Cw11111web
Ecmweb 4623 Cw11111web
Ecmweb 4623 Cw11111web

Whats Wrong Here?

Nov. 3, 2011
Hint: Too close for comfort

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, 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.

Find the Answer

This photo was submitted to us by Hank Caratura, the owner of HC Electric in Upper Darby, Pa. He discovered this at a friend's house in Radnor, Pa.

"I was rough wiring his new kitchen and needed to turn off a few circuits when I noticed the panel and gas pipe," said Caratura. "I asked where the panel cover was and he said he would have to look for it. Once he found the cover I tried to install it, but it would not fit because the framing and gas pipe were in the way. I told him this was a dangerous situation and that he needed to call a plumber to move the gas pipe and then I would return to put the cover back on."

Section 110.26 could apply here when considering the working space rules, especially since the electrical panel cover was not secured.

> Try Another Quiz

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.

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...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

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.