Ecmweb 4785 Lp3web
Ecmweb 4785 Lp3web
Ecmweb 4785 Lp3web
Ecmweb 4785 Lp3web
Ecmweb 4785 Lp3web

What's Wrong Here?

Sept. 8, 2006
Hint: Pay attention to the color red.

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.

Find the Answer

Jim Malsteed, estimator/project manager with Pleasant Valley Electric, Inc., in Ithaca, N.Y., ran across this panelboard installation in an industrial building, formerly set up to refurbish transformers.

This is a classic example of a violation of the dedicated space requirements for electrical equipment. As per 110.26(F), “All switchboards, panelboards, distribution boards, and motor control centers shall be located in dedicated spaces and protected from damage. Exception: Control equipment that by its very nature or because of other rules of the Code must be adjacent to or within sight of its operating machinery shall be permitted in those locations.”

Indoor installations shall comply with 110.26(F)(1)(a) through (F)(1)(d).

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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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