November 2020 Wwh Promo Image 5f99b8a4cdd0c

What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Snap, crackle, and pop

Nov. 2, 2020

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

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 2020 NEC.

Hint: Snap, crackle, and pop

September Winners

Our winners this month were David Weary, architect for Weary & Associates of Santa Clarita, Calif.; Dave Overbo, electrical inspector for the City of Fond du Lac, Wis.; and Steven Broussard, director of substation engineering and system control, Coast Electric Power Association, Kiln, Miss.

According to Sec. 300.4(A)(2), where there are no concerns of weakening the building structure for both exposed and concealed locations, cables or raceways can be installed in notches in wood studs, joists, rafters, or other wood members where the cable or raceway installed in the notch is protected against damage from nails or screws by a steel plate at least ¹∕₁₆ in. thick and of sufficient length and width, installed to cover all of the wiring. The steel plate is required to be installed before the building finish is applied. Where a cable or raceway is installed parallel to framing members, such as joists, rafters, studs, or furring strips, the cable or raceway shall be installed so the nearest edge of the cable or raceway is not less than 1¼ in. from the nearest edge of the framing member or furring strip where nails or screws are likely to penetrate. If this distance cannot be maintained, then the cable or raceway shall be protected by a steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent at least ¹∕₁₆ in. thick. This NM cable had no protective plates.

“Tell Them What They’ve Won...”

Using the 2020 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.

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.