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: Round and round she goes
October Winner
Congratulations to our lone winner this month: Mark Davis, a reader from Pomona, Calif. He knew the area in front of this electrical equipment cannot be used for storage.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when working spaces around electrical equipment, which are required to be kept clear, are “stolen” by someone who does not understand just how dangerous this situation can be. This cluttered mess greatly increases the risk to electricians and emergency personnel who may need to quickly access this equipment. Section 110.26(B) very clearly states that working spaces “shall not be used for storage.” Maybe posting a giant “NO STORAGE” sign would help. Educating property owners and managers about the increased dangers of this situation might also help. In addition, I imagine insurance companies would be interested to learn about the increased risks. Section 110.26(A) requires clear working space be provided for at least 3-ft of depth in front of this electrical equipment.
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.
