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: Sheetrock to be installed later.
February Winner
Only one person correctly identified the Code violations in this photo. The winner this month was Dennis B. Carlsen, a senior engineer 1 with WECTEC-VC Summer in Jenkinsville, S.C. He pointed out the missing “bubble” cover on this outdoor receptacle outlet as one of the many Code violations at this location.
Section 406.9(B) requires 15A and 20A receptacles installed in wet locations to be installed in an enclosure that is weatherproof with or without an attachment plug cap inserted. The missing cover defeats this whole requirement. Now these receptacles are exposed directly to rain and snow, which could greatly increase the shock and fire hazard. The receptacles are also required to be weather resistant (WR)-type receptacles and should be provided with GFCI protection in accordance with Sec. 210.8(B)(4).
The liquidtight flexible metallic conduit (LFMC) at the bottom of the box is broken and split open. This broken raceway is a violation of Sec. 110.12(B) because it can now let moisture and water inside, which can cause more rapid deterioration and damage to the metallic raceway parts and the conductors themselves.
Lastly, the light bulb installed in the lampholder does not appear to be of a type rated for direct exposure to a wet location.