Ecmweb 8794 Nec Whats Wrong Here Feb 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 8794 Nec Whats Wrong Here Feb 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 8794 Nec Whats Wrong Here Feb 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 8794 Nec Whats Wrong Here Feb 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 8794 Nec Whats Wrong Here Feb 2017 Pr

What's Wrong Here? Hint: I’m not a member of this fan club.

Feb. 14, 2017
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. Can you identify the specific Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2017 NEC.

Hint: I’m not a member of this fan club.

December Winners

Our three winners this month were: Hal Kaplan, a project manager with Powercom, LLC, in Pompano Beach, Fla.; Timothy Johnson, a project manager with The RDI Group in Itasca, Ill.; and Ralph Longbardi with Twin Pined Electrical Contracting of Lovell, Maine. They were all able to correctly identify problems with this installation.

The blue ENT shown in the picture — sometimes known by the nickname “Smurf Tube” because of the color resemblance to the small blue comic book humanoids that live in mushroom-shaped houses in the forest — cannot be used in this outdoor location. Section 362.12(7) specifically prohibits using ENT in areas exposed to the direct rays of the sun unless the ENT is identified as being sunlight resistant. This ENT was not suitable for use in sunlight.

Section 555.13(B)(5) requires RMC, RTRC listed for aboveground use, or PVC conduit suitable for the location, to be installed to “protect wiring above decks of piers and landing stages and below the enclosure that it serves.” ENT cannot be used on this pier.

Generally speaking, using ENT with PVC boxes and fittings, however, is permitted so long as the correct type of ENT glue is used. The lack of support for the saggy PVC is a violation of Sec. 352.30.

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.

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.