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 2014 NEC.
Hint: Ring around the baseboard
Tell Them What They Have Won...
Using the 2014 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries FLBR101MB Non-Metallic Floor Box with Metal Cover. 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.
November Winners
Section 110.26(D) requires illumination to be provided for the working space around switchboards, but this installer took it a little too far. The working space in front of this switchboard is now obstructed by the very same luminaire that was installed to make it “easier” to work on the equipment. Now workers must push the unit aside or duck underneath it when trying to remove some of the upper covers on the switchboard. Imagine accidentally smashing the fluorescent lamps while you were trying to remove those covers. What a mess!
This is a violation of Sec. 110.26(A)(3). The working space must be clear and extend from the floor to a height of 6½ ft above the floor or to the height of the equipment if it is greater than 6½ ft. There was plenty of room to install this luminaire higher, but, for some reason, the installer chose to put it right in his own way. Sure, the lighting is great, but it creates some other safety concerns that are unnecessary.
