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: Environmentally unfriendly
Find the Answer
It’ not only a terrible idea to store these corrosive pool chemicals in close proximity to these panelboards; it’s also a violation of Sec. 110.11 of the NEC. These oxidizing agents will cause severe corrosion to the metal parts of this electrical equipment.
These buckets of chemicals are also being stored in the space that is supposed to be reserved for working in front of the panels. Section 110.26(B) clearly states that the working space shall not be used for storage. In addition, the water piping installed right in front of the panel creates a violation of Sec. 110.26(A)(1), which requires 3 ft of clear working space depth in front of the panelboards. Because the water pipes are also installed directly below the panels, a violation of Sec. 110.26(E)(1)(a) has occurred. The space directly below the panel extending from the floor to 6 ft above the panelboards must be dedicated to the electrical installation only. No other piping systems or other foreign systems are permitted in this space.
It may be a little too difficult to see in this poor quality photo, but the panel on the left has no circuit directory. This lack of circuit information is a violation of Sec. 408.4(A).