Illustrated Catastrophes: This Violation is “Grounds” for Removal
This Violation is “Grounds” for Removal
The most obvious violation here is the way in which the equipment grounding conductors are connected to a piece of wood instead of being connected to the metal box. Section 314.4 requires metal boxes to be grounded in accordance with Art. 250. I can’t see any bonding or grounding connections to the box. Section 250.86 requires this enclosure to be connected to an equipment grounding conductor. Sections 250.110(1) through (6) also require exposed, normally noncurrent-carrying metal parts enclosing conductors that are likely to become energized to be connected to an equipment grounding conductor under certain conditions, including (2) where located in damp or wet locations and (5) where using a wiring method that provides an equipment grounding conductor.
As for the smaller box on the left, I’m not so sure that it’s suitable to be used in a wet location. Section 314.15 requires this box to be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture from entering or accumulating inside of it. It also requires this box to be listed for use in a wet location. This enclosure appears to be a Type 1 General Purpose enclosure as indicated by Table 110.28. A Type 3 or 3R enclosure would be more appropriate in this specific location.
This Installer Must Have “Spaced” Out
These NM cables will be in harm’s way if they remain secured in this manner. When the sheetrock installer starts securing the wallboard to the furring strips, he could easily damage the cables with a sharp tip if he is slightly off center with the placement of his screws. This is why Sec. 300.4(D) requires these cables to be spaced at least 1¼ in. from the nearest edge of the furring strip where nails or screws are likely to penetrate. This rule is applicable in both exposed or concealed locations where cables or raceway wiring methods are run parallel to framing members such as joists, studs, rafters, and furring strips.
Where the 1¼-inch spacing cannot be maintained, a steel plate or sleeve must be used to provide protection for the cables or raceways. The steel plate must be at least 1/16 in. thick or — according to Exception No. 3 — a thinner plate could be used if it provides equal or better protection and is listed an marked. Exception No. 1 removes the protective sleeves or plates requirement for RMC, IMC, RNC, or EMT.
In violation of Sec. 334.30, a piece of scrap wire was used as the means to secure the cables to the furring strip.
