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: Conversion diversion
‘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 a $50 American Express gift card. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win.
February Winners
I received a ton of great responses for this photo. Thank you to all our readers! Our winners this month include: Nate Derave from Algae Energy USA in Cumming, Ga.; Ifor C. Santiago, a project manager with ICI Engineers, Inc., in Walnut, Calif.; and Chris Schmidt, an estimator with Harold E. Nutter, Inc., in Sacramento, Calif.
Installing ENT outside in the sun is a violation of 362.12(8), unless the ENT is specifically identified as “sunlight resistant.” This ENT was brittle/broken and definitely not designed to be installed in the sun. The use of black electrical tape as a means to join two sections of ENT would also be a violation of 362.48, unless approved by the AHJ. Because couplings are made for this specific purpose, the AHJ would probably prefer a coupling rather than black tape. In accordance with 362.24, bends must be made so that the ENT will not be damaged as it was here. Drilling out the cover of the short radius PVC conduit body in order to connect the ENT is a violation of 352.6 and 110.3(B), since there are no instructions, labels, or listings that would permit it. This is also a violation of 314.16(C)(3), considering the fact that there is not enough free space to accommodate all of the conductors enclosed in the conduit body.
