What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: A pedestrian bridge over troubled water.

Oct. 18, 2018

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: A pedestrian bridge over troubled water.

See the answer below.

I spotted this broken receptacle box on the side of a pedestrian walkway over a small lagoon area. This is located directly over the water. You can see the cable feeding the receptacle is dangling below the walkway. This cable is just stubbed into a short piece of PVC conduit in the bottom of the box. I was not able to confirm the type of cable used, but my best guess is that the installer used UF cable.

The broken/missing cover is a violation of Sec. 406.9(B)(1). An extra-duty rated weatherproof in-use cover would have been an appropriate choice here. Using a weather resistant WR-type receptacle is also required by Sec. 406.9(B)(1) for this outdoor wet location.

I was not able to check for GFCI protection, but Sec. 210.8(B)(4) does require GFCI protection for a 15A, 125V rated receptacle in this location. Perhaps the GFCI protection was provided by a circuit breaker or through a GFCI-type receptacle installed ahead of this one.

The lack of supports on the UF cable is a violation of Sec. 225.21 and Sec. 230.51(A), which require support within 12 in. of connection to a raceway or enclosure and again every 30 in.

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.