How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn’t identify? Here’s your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else’s work from the safety of your living room or office. Can you identify the specific Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2017 NEC.
Hint: Buried secrets behind sheetrock
January Winners
Our winners this month were: Anthony Miller, a reader from Magnolia, Ky.; and David Lilly, a master electrician in Greenbelt, Md. They were both able to correctly identify some of the violations with this installation.
I’m hoping this was just a “temporary” installation. Nevertheless, even temporary installations must follow the Code rules. Section 590.2(A) specifically tells us that all the rules for permanent wiring apply to temporary wiring unless Art. 590 modifies the rules. For example, Sec. 225.26 prohibits trees from being used to support overhead conductor spans. The general rule in Sec. 590.4(J) also prohibits trees from supporting temporary overhead spans of branch circuits or feeders. The exception in Sec. 590.4(J) modifies this by allowing branch circuits, but not feeders, to be supported by trees for holiday lighting displays for 90 days in accordance with Sec. 590.3(B). I don’t see any wording in Art. 590 that modifies Sec. 240.24(A) requirements for circuit breakers to be installed in a readily-accessible location. The breakers installed in these panelboards are not readily accessible.
‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’
Using the 2017 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries FLBT4400SS countertop box kit, which includes a stainless steel trap door cover and a 20A decorator-style, tamper-resistant receptacle. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win.
