Ecmweb 4787 608ecmwwh1
Ecmweb 4787 608ecmwwh1
Ecmweb 4787 608ecmwwh1
Ecmweb 4787 608ecmwwh1
Ecmweb 4787 608ecmwwh1

What's Wrong Here?

Aug. 1, 2006
Hint: Locknuts and couplings transition?

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

Brian Newland, an electrical engineer in Savannah, Ga., noted that the transition from flexible metal conduit to EMT is prohibited by the Code. “A box or conduit body must be in place to make the transition. Per 300.15, ‘Fittings and connectors shall be used only with the specific wiring methods for which they are designed and listed.’ Also per 358.42, ‘Fittings have been tested for use only with steel EMT unless there is specific marking on the device or carton to indicate the fittings are suitable for use with aluminum or other material.’”

Nicholas S. Mintier, an electrician with Alico Road Aggregate Quarry in Fort Myers, Fla., submitted these comments. “When changing from cable to other raceway wiring methods, …‘a fitting identified for the use’… must be used. Reference 300.15(F).” He noted the one in this photo would loosen over time.

Kathleen McGloin, a Code enthusiast from Boston, added this to the mix. “The installer did not use an electrical box or other listed enclosure to transition from one wiring method to the other. The run is transitioning from flexible metal conduit to non-flexible conduit (at best), or, from armored cable to pipe (at worst). I believe the installation violates the requirements of 300.16(A) and 300.10.”

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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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