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.