Illustrated Code Catastrophes: Sections 314.22, 314.29, 410.6, 410.56(B), 410.42 and 410.74

Nov. 13, 2012

More Code catastrophes uncovered in these faulty installations

All references are based on the 2011 edition of the NEC

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Access Denied

In order to open this box, we would need to cut the PVC or perhaps dig up the underground pipe in the hopes we could get enough flex on it to remove the cover. Neither of those options changes the fact that this is a violation of 314.22, which states in part “surface extensions shall be made by mounting and mechanically securing an extension ring over the box.” There is no extension ring; however, an Exception to this rule allows a surface extension to be made from the cover of the box — if the cover is designed so it is not likely to fall off or be removed if its screws become loose.

314.22 also requires the wiring method to be “flexible for a length sufficient to permit removal of the cover and provide access to the box interior.” Rigid PVC conduit is certainly not a flexible wiring method.We could argue this also violates 314.29, which requires this box to be installed so that the wiring contained in it “can be rendered accessible without removing any part of the building or, in underground circuits, without excavating sidewalks, paving, earth, or other substance that is to be used to establish the finished grade.”

Hey, At Least It's Not a Fruitcake Tin

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What better way to enjoy the holidays than with a tin full of cookies. Oops, I meant to say, a cookie-tin light fixture! This creative display was found by one of my former students while working in a customer’s home. While this may be creative, it is also a Code violation.

Luminaires and lampholders “shall be listed” in accordance with 410.6 of the NEC. I don’t think this was sent to a testing lab and approved to be listed. I also doubt that a field inspection was performed at this location.

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It appears as though the installer did not want to deal with the old “BX” wiring found in the ceiling box, so instead of ripping out the old box and replacing wires, he simply cut out the bottom of the cookie tin and installed it as a type of extension or canopy over the existing box. How is the equipment grounding continuity maintained? This could pose a dangerous shock hazard if this metal is not bonded and grounded. This is a violation of 410.42.

There are also razor sharp edges and jagged metal present that could easily damage the conductor insulation. This is a violation of 410.56(B). Could the branch circuit wires overheat? They certainly could. This is a violation of 410.74.

I love cookies, especially around holiday time, but this may be one time that a fruit cake may have been the better choice — one that comes in a wrapper, not a tin can!

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.