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. It's your turn to identify the violation.
Hint: Dangerous curves ahead
Find the Answer
Section 225.10 of the 2011 NEC permits UF cable as a wiring method on the outside of buildings. In addition, 340.10(3) permits UF to be used in an outdoor wet location. However, 340.12 does not permit UF to be installed where exposed to the sun, unless it is sunlight-resistant type UF. If the cable is not sunlight resistant, it will become brittle and damaged by the prolonged effects of sunlight.
Some of the bends that are made in this cable are extremely sharp and constitute a violation of 340.24, which requires bends be made in the cable so as not to damage the cable or conductors. The inner curve of the bend radius must be at least five times the diameter of the cable. Therefore, the top-most bend appears to be fine, but the two lower bends are simply too sharp. This could cause damage to the insulation of the conductors and to the cable jacket. This damage may eventually lead to arcing and possibly even a fire.
The type of insulated staples used to secure the cable can also be questioned. They are most likely not suitable for this wet location or approved for use in areas exposed to sunlight. Section 300.6(A) requires ferrous metal to have suitable protection against corrosion, and 300.6(C)(1) requires nonmetallic equipment to be sunlight resistant where exposed to the sun.
