National Electrical Code

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Duct Tape Dilemma

Aug. 16, 2017

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Duct tape dilemma

Scroll Down to See the Answer

Duct tape is supposedly good for fixing just about anything, but I don’t think that applies in this case. Someone apparently tried to use it to repair this broken electrical pipe. They obviously failed! Now we are left with a mess of broken pipes, jagged metal, and exposed live wires. This could create a lethal mix if the insulation on those wires get damaged or nicked up. This could possibly result in the broken metal raceway or the light pole becoming energized because the metal raceway can no longer function as a proper equipment grounding/bonding conductor as permitted in Sec. 250.118. The loss of the equipment grounding/bonding conductor also creates a violation of Sec. 250.4(A)(3), since there may be no effective ground-fault current path established. This could leave the exposed metal parts dangerously energized during a fault condition.

In addition, Sec. 110.12(B) states there shall not be any damaged parts that may adversely affect the safe operation of equipment. I think it is safe to say that this broken installation is in violation of that section. Duct tape is certainly not a suitable wiring method as specified in Sec. 110.8.

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.