All references are based on the 2020 edition of the NEC.
Lousy Light Fixture Wiring
Henry Caratura was kind enough to share this photo with us. He found this on a rehab job where he rewired the whole house. “When the plug is plugged in, the outside light comes on,” says Caratura. While this may be a quick and easy way to provide power to the outside light, it certainly does not mean this installation is Code-compliant or safe. While Sec. 400.10(A)(2) does permit flexible cords and flexible cables for wiring of luminaires, Sec. 400.12(1)-(7) imposes many restrictions on the use of flexible cords, flexible cables, cord sets, and power supply cords, including: (1) As a substitute for fixed wiring; (2) Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors; and (5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings. It seems like all those restrictions were ignored here. Another concern I have is the lack of connection to an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) for the outside luminaire. If the luminaire is metal, Sec. 410.42 requires either a connection to an EGC or a listed system of double insulation. After seeing this photo, I have a feeling neither of those options was implemented here.
Overpacked Panelboard
Thomas Carlins, P.E., LC for Carlins Consulting LLC of Pittsburgh, shared this photo with us. “The panel looks innocent from the front (except for the tandem circuit breakers),” says Carlins. “When I took the cover off, I discovered a 2-pole circuit breaker in the bottom gutter of the panel. It was hot and in use. We are now including the replacement of the panelboard in the construction documents.” Thomas, I think replacing this panelboard is a great idea. Panelboards must not have more overcurrent devices than the amount for which the panelboard is designed, rated, and listed. Installing too many overcurrent devices is a violation of Sec. 110.3(B). Section 408.54 requires a panelboard to be provided with means to prevent the installation of too many overcurrent devices. The free-floating breaker in the bottom of the enclosure is very dangerous, since this type of device is designed to be plugged onto the busbars of the panelboard. This type of installation is a recipe for poor connections and an elevated risk of fire and shock. Misusing this breaker in this manner is also another violation of Sec. 110.3(B).
