Ecmweb 8509 Nec Whats Wrong Here Oct 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8509 Nec Whats Wrong Here Oct 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8509 Nec Whats Wrong Here Oct 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8509 Nec Whats Wrong Here Oct 2016 Pr
Ecmweb 8509 Nec Whats Wrong Here Oct 2016 Pr

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Two-for-one sale

Oct. 20, 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: Two-for-one sale

August Winner

Our lone winner this month was David Hartwig, P.E., Hartwig Engineering, Inc., Goodyear, Ariz. He was able to correctly identify several Code violations in this photo, including Sec. 300.7(B), which requires expansion fittings to be installed on raceways “where necessary to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction.”

Section 352.44 specifically requires expansion fittings for PVC raceways where the length change from thermal expansion and contraction “is expected to be ¼ in. or greater in a straight run between securely mounted items,” such as boxes and other equipment. In addition, the improper spacing of the PVC clips is a violation of Table 352.30, which requires ½-in. through 1-in. PVC raceways to be secured at least every 3 ft. This improper clip spacing is another contributing factor to the sagging and wavy pipes.

The missing covers for the conduit bodies violate the intent of Sec. 314.25. The PVC pipes that are separated at the coupling are a violation of Sec. 300.12, since this pipe is no longer continuous between enclosures. And the overall lack of effort here is a violation of the neat and workmanlike requirements in Sec. 110.12.

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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