What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: It's as Plain as Black and White

Sept. 20, 2012

Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

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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 Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2011 NEC.

Hint: It's as plain as black and white.

‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’

Using the 2011 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win something to put in your toolbox. 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. Winners will receive a fluorescent lighting tester from Milwaukee Tool, valued at $199. The product allows complete lamp, ballast, and pin testing, before or after install, without dismantling fixtures.

(Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of tools.)

JULY WINNERS

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Our only winner this month was Matt Lippiatte, an electrical engineer with Reynolds Smith & Hills in Merritt Island, Fla. He knew there were several problems with this pool-side installation, including violations of Secs. 406.9(B), 680.22(A)(2), and 680.22(D).

As per 406.9(B), 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V receptacles installed in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof, whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. Also, 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V nonlocking-type receptacles shall be listed weather-resistant type. The cover used here was not weatherproof while in use. Since the box is slightly recessed into the decking, it’s probably not weatherproof in this position even when it is closed, considering that it’s installed in an outside area that could flood with water during a rainstorm.
All receptacles shall be not less than 6 ft from the inside walls of a pool [680.22(A)(2)]. This one is almost 6 ft, but, unfortunately, it is just too close to the pool.
The speaker is also placed too close to the water. In accordance with 680.22(D), other outlets shall be located not less than 10 ft from the inside walls of the pool.

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.