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 2017 NEC.
Hint: In need of room service
September Winners
Unfortunately, no one correctly identified the Code violations in this photo. Here are some of the problems I see with this installation.
In damp locations, Sec. 406.9(A) requires receptacles to have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the receptacle does not have an attachment plug inserted. Unfortunately, this cover is not properly secured, so it will never be able to provide the required weatherproof enclosure.
In wet locations, Sec. 406.9(B)(1) requires 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V rated receptacles to be installed in an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not an attachment plug is inserted. Where these receptacles are installed in damp or wet locations, they must be identified as being a weather-resistant (WR) type of receptacle. If an outlet box hood is used for these applications, the hood must be rated “extra duty.” It appears part of the hood is missing from this cover. A broken cover would be a violation of Sec. 110.12(B), which states in part that “there shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect the safe operation” of the equipment.
‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’
Using the 2017 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries FLBT4400SS countertop box kit, which includes a stainless steel trap door cover and a 20A decorator-style, tamper-resistant receptacle. 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.
