Ecmweb 4543 1000758web
Ecmweb 4543 1000758web
Ecmweb 4543 1000758web
Ecmweb 4543 1000758web
Ecmweb 4543 1000758web

What's Wrong Here?

Dec. 26, 2006
Hint: If it works, it’s not a problem, right?

Answer:

I am sure many workers have installed this equipment in the same manner and said, "As long as it was approved by the electrical inspector, it is okay!" I say that's a lot of guff. A seasoned, licensed, and properly trained person should agree with me on this.

As per 300.15, “Fittings and connectors shall be used only with the specific wiring methods for which they are designed and listed.” In addition, the requirements of 110.2 state “The conductors and equipment required or permitted by this Code shall be acceptable only if approved. FPN: See 90.7, Examination of Equipment for Safety, and 110.3, Examination, Identification, Installation, and Use of Equipment. See definitions of Approved, Identified, Labeled, and Listed.” And let’s not forget about the requirements of 110.3(B), which state “Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.”

Just because you may have made up an installation like this in the past — and it was accepted — doesn’t mean it was ever legal.

> 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.