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What's Wrong Here? Hint: Installer Should Go Back to School

April 5, 2012
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. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: installer should go back to school

Find the Answer

Jim Hancock, a supervisor with Howard Organization, Inc. in Shickshinny, Pa., sent us these photos taken in a small private school in northeast Pennsylvania.

The number of Code violations associated with this building could fill many pages. Let's focus on just a few to get things started.

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  • A lack of proper supports for any of the wiring methods used (Chapter 3).
  • Open knockouts, which violate 110.12(A) [Unused Openings].
  • Panelboard installed sideways, which violates 240.81. This rule states, "Circuit breakers shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open 'off' or closed 'on' position. Where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the 'up' position of the handle shall be the 'on' position."

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About the Author

Joe Tedesco

Tedesco served the industry in many roles during his career. He was a director, senior electrical code instructor for National Technology Transfer, Inc. and American Trainco, Inc.. He was also a codes, standards and seminar specialist for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors and an electrical field service specialist for the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass. He ran his own business as an NEC consultant and is a Massachusetts licensed master electrician and journeyman electrician and certified electrical inspector (one and two family 2A; General 2B, and Plan Review, 2C). Tedesco also wrote articles for CEE News and EC&M (Code Violations Illustrated and What's Wrong Here?) for more than 15 years and helped launched the Moving Violations video series.

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