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.
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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).