Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2014 02 Nec Violations Wire Box 1

Code Clusters 3: Improper Mounting, Missing Covers, and More

Feb. 4, 2014

Code Clusters is a fond look back at some of the most interesting and outlandish Code violations published in the pages of EC&M magazine over the past 15 years — the item below is the ninth in a series of 10. Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear your feedback! Post your thoughts in the box below. All references based on the 2005 edition of the NEC.

Joe Tedesco

Code Clusters is a fond look back at some of the most interesting and outlandish Code violations published in the pages of EC&M magazine over the past 15 years — the item below is the third in a series of 10. Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear your feedback! Post your thoughts in the box below.

Improper Mounting, Missing Covers, and More

All references based on the 2005 edition of the NEC.

Phil Davis, a data center designer with Bank of America MBNA, took these pictures inside a commercial office building in Dallas. “If the wires don’t fit, just remove the cover,” Davis says. “As for the panelboards, so much Type SJO flexible cord was used that the only solution was to leave the covers off and build a closet around them. Hopefully, the building has been torn down by now.”

Ecmweb Com Sites Ecmweb com Files Uploads 2014 02 Nec Violations Wire Box 2

Besides all of the missing covers, we can call attention to the overcrowding of the junction box and cite 314.16. As for the lack of compliance with the rules for wiring systems support above the dropped ceiling, we can reference 300.23. The same condition exists for the low-energy type wiring — where the removal of the dropped ceiling tiles will deny access to equipment. The sideways mounting of the panelboard violates the requirements of 240.33. In addition, the Code requires you to install overcurrent devices in a vertical position in a vertical enclosure, unless this is shown to be impracticable. Circuit breaker enclosures shall be installed horizontally where the circuit breaker is installed in accordance with 240.81.