Ecmweb 4828 504wwh082a
Ecmweb 4828 504wwh082a
Ecmweb 4828 504wwh082a
Ecmweb 4828 504wwh082a
Ecmweb 4828 504wwh082a

What's Wrong Here?

April 8, 2005
Hint: The key word is "access"

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

Answer:

This type of installation can be found in many commercial buildings. The abundant number of working and abandoned cables in these types of spaces has become a major concern in the fire protection community. The following sections of the 2005 NEC make it clear that this type of installation is unacceptable.

Per 300.23, “Cables, raceways, and equipment installed behind panels designed to allow access, including suspended ceiling panels, shall be arranged and secured so as to allow the removal of panels and access to the equipment.”

In addition, the Code also states, “Access to equipment shall not be denied by an accumulation of wires and cables that prevents removal of panels, including suspended ceiling panels.” This same wording is noted in the following sections: 640.5, 725.7, 760.7, 770.21, 800.21, 820.21 and 830.21.

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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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