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: Plumbing line or electrical circuit?
June Winners
Two super-sharp readers correctly identified some of the Code violations in this installation. Our winners this month were Daniel Joun with Parthenon Prints, Inc., in Panama City, Fla., and Benjamin Maxson of Maxson Electric, Inc., in Morriston, Fla. They both knew that expansion fittings should have been used here in compliance with Sec. 300.7(B); and more specifically with Sec. 352.44 to accommodate any length change due to thermal expansion and contraction of the PVC conduit. We could also point to Sec. 300.5(J), which requires these raceways emerging from grade to be arranged to prevent damage caused by movement of the earth due to settlement or frost heaves. The broken raceway leaves the contained conductors exposed and susceptible to damage from any sharp edges of the raceway as well as from water that could enter, then freeze and expand during the winter — causing further damage to the raceway and conductors. Section 110.12(B) prohibits damaged parts that may have an adverse effect on the safe operation or mechanical strength of equipment. The broken PVC conduit clip could also fall under that same Code section. Lastly, the lack of support clips on the center raceway violates the requirements of Sec. 352.30(A).
‘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.
