Ecmweb 4612 104ec3001b
Ecmweb 4612 104ec3001b
Ecmweb 4612 104ec3001b
Ecmweb 4612 104ec3001b
Ecmweb 4612 104ec3001b

Whats Wrong Here?

June 4, 2009
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.

The Code allows conductors of AC and DC circuits rated 600V, nominal, or less, to occupy the same equipment wiring enclosure, cable, or raceway [300.3(C)(1)]. However, all conductors must have an insulation rating equal to at least the maximum circuit voltage applied to any conductor within the enclosure, cable, or raceway. If the thermostat wiring for this A/C condensing unit was run in the same raceway as the power supply conductors, which I believe it was, then we have a Code violation.

Find the Answer

The Fine Print Note (FPN) of 300.3(C)(1) refers us to Sec. 725.136(A) for Class 2 and Class 3 circuit conductors, which does not allow you to place Class 2 and Class 3 circuit conductors in the same raceway as Class 1, electric, light and power conductors.

> 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...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

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.