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Ecmweb 5021 Cw1web
Ecmweb 5021 Cw1web
Ecmweb 5021 Cw1web
Ecmweb 5021 Cw1web

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Disappearing Act

June 7, 2012
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

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. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: Disappearing act

Find the Answer

In this photo, we see a PVC pipe secured to a pole. The PVC pipe itself has not been damaged by sunlight since it is constructed to be "resistant to sunlight effects" in accordance with 352.100. The clip, on the other hand, has been severely damaged by the effects of being in the direct rays of the sun for a prolonged period of  time. The clip has become very brittle and has cracked almost completely through.

Hint: Disappearing act

This is a violation of 300.6(C), which requires nonmetallic raceways, elbows, couplings, fittings, supports, and support hardware to be made of material approved for the condition they are placed. These items shall also comply with 300.6(C)(1), which states "where exposed to sunlight, the materials shall be listed as sunlight resistant or shall be identified as sunlight resistant." The material that the clip was made of is clearly not sunlight resistant.

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About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

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