Ecmweb 8690 Nec Whats Wrong Here Dec 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8690 Nec Whats Wrong Here Dec 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8690 Nec Whats Wrong Here Dec 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8690 Nec Whats Wrong Here Dec 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8690 Nec Whats Wrong Here Dec 2016 Pr

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Papa Smurf would definitely disapprove.

Dec. 15, 2016
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 2014 NEC.

Hint: Papa Smurf would definitely disapprove.

October Winners

Thanks to Warren Tinker for sharing this photo with us. He found this when a homeowner called and asked him to install some missing covers on a panel and make some other repairs.

Our winners this month were Kevin Singleton, an apprentice electrician with Highlights Electrical in Houston, and John Lloyd, president of John A. Lloyd & Associates in Durham, N.C. Both men knew the main lugs for this panel are not permitted to have wires doubled-up inside them.

Section 110.14(A) plainly states that terminals designed for more than one conductor must be identified as such. These terminals are not designed that way, and they look very overcrowded and strained. Another problem is the mixing of copper and aluminum wires in those same terminals. Mixing dissimilar metals, such as copper with aluminum, copper with copper-clad aluminum, or aluminum and copper-clad aluminum in the same terminal, is generally not permitted by Sec. 110.14. Specially designed devices identified for the purpose must be used when mixing dissimilar metals in the same terminal. Mixing dissimilar metals in connectors can result in loose connections and overheating due to the different expansion and contraction rates of the different metals.

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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